ABOUT BUNIONS
What is a Bunion?
BUNION SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of a Bunion
Recognising the symptoms of a bunion is the first step toward seeking appropriate care. Various symptoms can manifest, with big toe pain often being a primary complaint. Common symptoms of a bunion can include:
Big Toe Pain
One of the most frequently reported symptoms of a bunion is pain in the big toe. This discomfort can range from a mild annoyance to significant, debilitating pain. This pain is often exacerbated when wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, and it may be accompanied by swelling and redness around the affected joint.
Visible Bump
A more noticeable sign of a bunion is the visible bump that appears on the side of your foot, at the base of the big toe. This protrusion is more than just an aesthetic concern; it’s an indication of underlying joint misalignment.
Restricted Toe Movement
As a bunion progresses, you may notice reduced mobility in your big toe. This limitation can particularly affect your gait, specifically when you’re pushing off the ground while walking. It can make everyday activities more challenging and may start to influence your choice of footwear.
Corns and Calluses
Due to changes in the foot shape and mechanics, corns or calluses may develop. These thickened areas of skin can be uncomfortable or painful, particularly when pressure is applied, such as when standing or walking for extended periods.
General Foot Soreness
Apart from localised big toe symptoms, a bunion can cause general foot soreness. This discomfort may intensify after long periods on your feet and could impact your overall quality of life.
If you experience big toe pain or any of the above symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a qualified podiatrist for a comprehensive assessment and a tailored treatment strategy. Early intervention can help manage symptoms more effectively.
DEALING WITH BUNIONS
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Bunions
Many people choose to ignore the bunion, they may look unattractive, but hide them in their shoes out of sight. Sometimes the bunion maybe painless or only a little bit painful. We’ve seen tougher people will put up with significant pain and ignore how that big toe now sits underneath the second or third toe. In the short term, this is what you can do. However, the bunion will slowly progress through the stages. Long term, it will make it harder to resolve conservatively and require surgery.
Many people believe that surgery is the only way to treat bunions. Recently, it has come in leaps and bounds, with a few surgeons in Adelaide able to perform keyhole bunion surgery. Surgery is the only way to remove the bony lump. Pain reduction and even realignment can occur from conservative means, but the bony lump can only been reduced with the bone being shaved surgically. Unfortunately, bunion surgery is still an invasive procedure. It still means pain and limited mobility in the months following surgery. There are some surgical cases which are worse and are irreversible. We can refer you to a surgeon who we feel will work best with you and get you the outcome you want.
There are several non-surgical bunion correction techniques that can be used to treat bunions. At the Adelaide Bunion Clinic we utilise techniques such as exercises, dry needling, foot mobilisation, high level cold laser and orthotic therapy. With these techniques, we aim to address the last two causes mentioned above to treat the bunion, namely the foot flattering out and jamming up the big toe joint and the foot and leg rolling in. The majority of cases have a reduction of pain and avoid surgery. If a patient diligently adheres to the treatment plan, the big toe may have a better alignment. The one thing conservative can not remove is the bony lump. This will require surgery. So if your priority is pain relief and avoiding surgery, this the recommended option.
What Causes a Bunion?
Stages of a Bunion
