Bunions are a common condition, especially among older folks. Unfortunately, bunions can have a dramatic and detrimental impact on your quality of life, reducing mobility and causing chronic pain. If you or a loved one are suffering from bunions, you should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. If you need to treat your bunions, contact Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland in Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD.
What Are Bunions? Where Do They Form?
A bunion is a bony lump that protrudes from the outside of the big toe. Looking down on your foot, the bunion will grow horizontally. If you wear tight-fitting shoes, the bunion will cause pressure on the sides of your feet.
What actually is a bunion? It’s a lump of bone and tissues. Bunions occur when the bones connecting your feet and big toe are knocked out of place or function improperly. Tissue can build up at the spot of the bunion and the foot can become deformed.
What Causes Bunions?
Sometimes, bunions are caused by birth defects and other similar issues. In practice, however, most bunions are the result of wearing shoes that are too tight and simply don’t provide enough support. Women are more likely to suffer bunions, likely due to wearing high heels and other shoes that may not provide adequate support.
Genetics can still play a role and some foot shapes are more prone to bunions. Thus, if your family has a history of bunions, you may be at heightened risk.
If you believe a bunion is forming, contact Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland.
What Are Bunionettes? What is a Tailor’s Bunion?
Whereas bunions form on the outside of the big toe, bunionettes form on the outside of the pinky toe. Bunionettes are also known as Tailor’s bunions. Bunionettes tend to be smaller than bunions but can be every bit as painful.
How Are Bunions Treated?
Typically, the only way to reverse a bunion is surgery. A podiatrist can adjust the bone structure in your foot, and if needed, remove excess tissue. The joints in the big toe can be fused together, reducing the risk of future bunions by restricting joint movement.
Is Surgery Always Necessary?
To reverse a bunion, surgery is usually required. However, if a bunion is caught early enough, custom orthotics and roomier shoes can stop the bunion from growing. Likewise, if a bunion hasn’t formed yet but you believe you’re at risk, the appropriate steps, like getting custom orthotics, can greatly reduce the risk of them forming in the first place.
What Are the Next Steps For Addressing a Bunion?
If you or a loved one are suffering from a bunion or believe the risks of one forming are high, it’s time to talk to a podiatrist. Want to address a bunion? Contact Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland today. Call (301) 924-5044 to reach the Olney, MD, office, (301) 868-7670 for the one in Camp Springs/Clinton, MD, (301) 439-0300 for Silver Spring, MD, (301) 942-8110 for Kensington, MD, and (301) 317-6800 if you want to reach Laurel and Maple Lawn, MD.