Preventing Bunion Development

At Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists in Turnersville and Pennsauken, NJ, your podiatrist sees and treats many bunions, helping patients keep their regular routines. However, prevention is truly the best treatment when it comes to this condition.

How do bunions form?

Basically, bunions are hard, bony, sore bumps at the base of the big toe. While heredity and age (65 and over) play roles in bunion formation, activity and type of shoe is very significant, as well.

Science Daily reports that 36 percent more women than men develop bunions, and researchers largely attribute this to shoe type. Women tend to wear very narrow, high-heeled shoes that put excessive pressure on the forefoot and toes. Over time, a bunion forms, and the big toe may turn toward the second and even third toes, forming what podiatrists call Hallux Abducto Valgus.

How can you prevent and treat bunions?

Treating bunions is not as difficult as you may think. At our offices in Turnersville and Pennsauken, your podiatrist will examine your foot and take X-rays as needed. The doctor will tailor your treatment plan specifically for your bunion, co-existing medical conditions (if any), and your level of activity. Your plan may include:

• Rest
• Ice to relieve pain and swelling
• Elevation of the affected foot
• Corn and callus removal (in the office)
• Night splints to correct joint alignment gradually
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Keeping a healthy body weight
• Physical therapy and range of motion exercises to relieve stiffness and correct gait problems
• Moleskin padding inside the shoe
• Customized shoe inserts (also called orthotics)
• Bunionectomy, a minimally invasive surgery which removes the bump and straightens the big toe (surgery is a last resort)

Of course, prevention is best. Your podiatrist recommends changing your footwear to shoes with roomy toe boxes, lower heels, and good arch support. If you have an active job, plan periods of rest as best you can. If you're tipping the scales a bit on the heavy side, try to get down to your proper weight.

Additionally, all of us should exercise our feet gently and regularly to increase blood flow and improve range of motion in the toe joints. For instance, you may keep feet limber by picking up socks, pens, or other small objects with your toes.

Happy feet

Start taking care of your feet now. You'll enjoy better mobility through the years. If you suspect that you are developing a bunion, please contact your podiatrist at Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists in Turnersville, NJ. Call (856) 875-8855, or if you're closer to our Pennsauken, NJ, office, phone (856) 488-5290.