Bunions

Bunions Treatment in West Hollywood, CA

bunions treatment in the West Hollywood, CA 90048 areaA bunion is a bony, painful swelling that is often formed on the first joint of the big toe. Bunions can be extremely painful due to the weight of all your body resting on it each time you take a step. Everyday activities, such as walking and wearing shoes, can cause you extreme discomfort if you have a bunion.

Reasons that a person may develop a bunion can vary. Some patients may form bunions due to genetic factors, complications with arthritis, or a weak foot structure. General aging can also play a role in the formation of a bunion.

Bunions Symptoms and Diagnose

A podiatrist knowledgeable in foot structure and biomechanics will be able to quickly diagnose bunions. Bunions must be distinguished from gout or arthritic conditions, so blood tests may be necessary. The podiatrist may order a radiological exam to provide an image of the bone structure. If the x-ray demonstrates an enlargement of the joint near the base of the toe and a shifting toward the smaller toes, this is indicative of a bunion.

Wearing wider shoes can reduce pressure on the bunion and minimize pain, and high heeled shoes should be eliminated for a period of time. This may be enough to eliminate the pain associated with bunions; however, if pain persists, anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. Severe pain may require an injection of steroids near the bunion. Orthotics for shoes may be prescribed which, by altering the pressure on the foot, can be helpful in reducing pain. These do not correct the problem; but by eliminating the pain, they can provide relief.

If you have a bunion, you may notice a bony bump on your big toe, experience swelling and redness, and the area may feel tender to the touch. To help alleviate the pain that often comes with having a bunion, it’s suggested to maintain a healthy weight to help lessen the pressure on your toe, practice both heating and icing the affected area, wear wide-fitting shoes wear to leave plenty of space for your toes and to minimize rubbing, and look into shoe inserts that can help position your foot correctly.

Because bunions can result in other painful foot problems, such as hammertoes and bursitis, we recommend that you meet with a podiatrist for a professional diagnosis and for information regarding all your treatment options.

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Bunions (FAQs)

What are bunions? 
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe joint. It is considered a deformity, as it changes the shape of the feet, creating a protruding bump on the side of the foot while pushing the big toe towards the smaller toes next to it. Bunions can be painful, red, tender, and stiff. They may restrict the range of motion of the affected toe and tend to develop corns and calluses over the top of the bump. 
What causes bunions?
Bunions may have a variety of potential causes. They may be caused by wearing tight, narrow, ill-fitting shoes over long periods of time or from inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Genetics may also play a role, as some people inherit foot shapes and structures that are more likely to develop bunions. 
How can you stop bunions from getting worse? 
Early detection and treatment is key to slowing or stopping the progression of a bunion. Your podiatrist will likely recommend footwear modifications, such as wearing wider, more comfortable shoes or custom orthotics that support the foot and give the toes room. Special bunion pads can be used to relieve pain and pressure over the bunion, while over-the-counter medications or ice can be used to reduce inflammation. 
Is it possible to remove a bunion? 
Bunions can be permanently removed through a surgical procedure known as a bunionectomy. During this surgery, the doctor may cut, realign, or remove portions of bones, ligaments, and tendons to get rid of the bunion. This is typically an outpatient procedure, which means that you get to go home the same day as the surgery. 

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