Bunions cause the foot to become deformed. If you need help with bunions in Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD, you can turn to the experienced doctors at Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are deformities of the foot that occur at the joint where the large toe meets the foot. It is a bump that can be painful on the inside of the foot. The big toe moves and in some cases overlaps the toe next to it. Bunions can form on the feet of young people, but more often it is as you get older and the trauma that is causing it has been repetitive for many years. The word bunion comes from the Greek word for turnip and if you look at a bunion you can see that the name fits.
What Causes Bunions?
More women suffer from bunions than men. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't high heels or tight pointy shoes that are the main cause of bunions, though it has to be said that some types of women's shoes do aggravate the condition. The real cause of bunions is likely in your genes and having weak connective tissue, short muscles in your calf, a short Achilles tendon, or joint disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. Another contributing factor may be flat feet.
How to Treat a Bunion?
Treatment usually begins by wearing shoes that fit correctly, are wider in the toe box, and provide adequate support. Padding may be added to protect the bunion from irritation. Adding orthotics to the shoes can help and you may start with the OTC variety, and if those don't work, your podiatrist can make ones customized for your feet. Exercises can help to maintain mobility, and wearing splints at night to help the toe realign. This treatment works better with adolescents than fully grown adults.
Depending on the amount of discomfort and how your bunion responds to treatment, you and your podiatrist may decide that bunion surgery is the option that will work best for you.
Contact Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland for bunions in Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD. You can reach us on the phone at (301)-924-5044 in Olney, (301)439-0300 in Silver Springs, (301) 868-7670 in Camp Springs/Clinton, (301) 942-8110 in Kensington, (301) 317-6800 in Laurel, and (301) 317-6800 in Maple Lawn.