Symtoms
A bunion often causes pain and swelling around the joint at the
base of the big toe. The skin may become red or warm.
If the big toe pushes under the second toe, a painful corn may
form on the top of the second toe. In some cases, bunions cause
no symptoms - other than making the foot harder to fit in a shoe.
Sometimes the big toe starts to turn in toward the smaller toes.
This pushes the joint out to the side, causing a bump. This bump
is called a bunion. It can be mild, moderate, or severe.
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Possible Causes
A bunion is most often caused by wearing shoes that are too tight
across the toes. The side of the shoe ushes the big toe in toward
the second toe.
This forces the joint at the base of the big toe out to the side.
Bunions occur mostly in women, as they are more likely to wear
tight shoes. A tendency to get bunions
can also run in families. And some diseases, such as arthritis,
can cause bunions.
The bone at the base of your big toe connects to a bone in the
ball of your foot. Where the bones connect is called a joint.
Normally, the two bones lie almost in a straight line.
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Treament
TOES
There should be 1/2" between your longest toe and the tip
of the shoe. The shoe should be wide enough for you to wiggle
your toes.
HEELS
Heel height should be low. The back of the shoe should grip your
heel firmly so the shoe doesn't flop when you walk.
PADS
You may want to put a pad over the bunion to cushion it. You can
buy bunion pads at most drugstores.
ICE MESSAGE
To help relieve a painful bunion, put an ice cube in a plastic
bag. Rub the ice on the bunion for 5 minutes. Repeat 2 or 3 times
a day.
SURGERY
Wearing wider shoes and padding the bunion may not relieve the
pain. Your doctor may then suggest surgery.
During surgery, the bunion is shaved away and the bones are put
back in a straight line.
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