Ingrown toenails are a nuisance, and they also lead to bigger problems. You never want to let an ingrown toenail continue to get worse. Keep reading to learn why treating an ingrown toenail is so important.
Bunions are an unfortunate but common problem of the feet. They form a protrusion on the outside of your big toe that causes pain and progressively gets worse. The problem is — they’re not always preventable. Sometimes bad genes and your inherited foot structure are to blame for this annoying problem.
At Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center, our team specializes in problems affecting your feet, including bunions. Dr. David Deiboldt is our podiatry specialist who offers a number of treatments to keep your bunion pain under control and the condition from progressing further.
Bunions are a foot deformity that develops a bony protrusion on the outside of your big toe. It’s associated with a condition called hallux valgus, which causes the big toe to gradually drift toward the other toes, creating the deformity.
The bump of the bunion is often painful because it rubs on more narrow shoes. It also causes mechanical problems in your foot, which puts different pressure on the ball area of the foot.
A bunion isn’t something that’s acute; it forms over time and progressively becomes worse. This is especially true if you don’t take the proper steps to correct problems that can worsen the joint deformity.
There are a lot of factors that make bunions worse, but they’re actually an inherited deformity. Shoes were often thought to be the reason for bunions, but they only aggravate the condition or cause it to progress faster than normal. The real reasons behind bunions are:
The way you walk and exert pressure on your feet can cause bunions. Improper foot mechanics puts pressure on the structures in your foot, leading to the big toe leaning in toward your other toes.
Inherited foot structures also lead to bunions. Some foot structures that lead to bunions include flat feet, different bone structures, and loose ligaments.
It’s likely that if someone in your immediate family has bunions, you’ll also have bunions. This is often due to either foot mechanics, foot structure, or both.
Unfortunately, bunions aren’t always preventable. If you carry the genetics that cause bunions, it’s likely that you’ll have them at some point in your life. However, there are steps you can take to slow the progression of bunions.
The biggest way to prevent painful bunions is through your shoes. Narrow or ill-fitted shoes put pressure on the big toe joint and your foot. This may cause the condition to progress faster than normal. High heels are also a risk factor when it comes to bunions.
Standing for very long periods of time also puts extra pressure on your big toe joint. Taking breaks between standing and putting your feet up can significantly decrease the pain on your bunion. It may also prevent pain from starting or getting worse.
Bunions are very treatable, although they’re not reversible without surgery. The main goal of treatment is to ease any discomfort brought on by the bunion, and to keep it from getting worse.
The team at Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center offers many different treatments for bunions, including:
Changing your shoes is also an effective way to relieve bunion pain. Professionally-fitted shoes that provide comfort and a wide toe-box are ideal if you’re at risk for bunions or are experiencing pain.
Surgery is only necessary for bunions when conservative measures haven’t helped your pain, or it becomes so unbearable that you’re having difficulty walking. Our team gives you personalized and compassionate care when you’re dealing with bunions.
If you’re tired of suffering with bunion pain, don’t hesitate to call our office in Beltsville, Maryland at 301-804-1174, or book a consultation online today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Ingrown toenails are a nuisance, and they also lead to bigger problems. You never want to let an ingrown toenail continue to get worse. Keep reading to learn why treating an ingrown toenail is so important.
Your feet are very important to your life, and keeping them healthy is the key to long-term mobility. Although foot issues can arise, there are a number of treatments that can help. Read more to learn how custom orthotics keep your feet pain-free.
Flat feet can worsen over time, causing painful symptoms and reducing your feet’s ability to handle long-standing or heavy lifting. Read for helpful tips on how to keep your flat feet from getting worse.
Struggles to get to the clinic? Trying to reduce your exposure to COVID-19, as well as other contagious illnesses, and still need to see your doctor? Telehealth is safe and easy — receive quality care from anywhere.
Few relationships in a woman’s life are as love-hate as the one she has with her high heels. We love them because they look great and make legs appear longer and leaner, helping petite women appear taller and tall women statuesque.
For parents faced with kids’ changing tastes and opinions, navigating back-to-school shopping can be a harrowing process. Buy him the wrong backpack, and he’ll be the uncool kid on the bus.