At Illinois Podiatry Specialists, we understand how bunions, those painful, bony bumps that form on the base of the big toe, can impact your quality of life. Our dedicated team offers comprehensive care for bunions, using both conservative and surgical interventions to provide relief and restore foot health.
The Condition
Bunions are bony prominences that form at the base of the big toe, resulting from the misalignment of the joint. They typically develop over time due to inherited foot types, foot stress, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. This misalignment causes the big toe to push against the other toes, leading to discomfort, inflammation, and sometimes severe pain. At Illinois Podiatry Specialists, we offer effective solutions to manage bunions and improve foot function.
The Symptoms:
- A bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe
- Swelling, redness, or soreness around your big toe joint
- Persistent or intermittent pain
- Restricted movement of your big toe
- Corns or calluses — these often develop where the first and second toes overlap
- Difficulty in finding shoes that fit properly because of the bunion
Treatment Options:
- Conservative Measures: Non-surgical treatments, such as wearing roomy, supportive footwear, using orthotic devices, applying padding, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate symptoms and slow down bunion progression.
- Bunion Splints or Pads: Bunion splints or pads are devices that can help realign the toe joint and provide cushioning to reduce pain and pressure on the bunion.
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretches can strengthen the foot muscles and improve joint flexibility, providing relief from bunion discomfort.
- Custom Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts can redistribute pressure, correct alignment issues, and alleviate pain caused by bunions.
- Surgical Intervention: In severe cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be recommended to realign the affected joint and correct the bunion deformity.
At Illinois Podiatry Specialists, we conduct thorough evaluations to identify the root cause of your bunions. Understanding your specific situation allows us to curate a personalized treatment plan, utilizing the most effective treatment options and surgical techniques, if necessary, to address your bunions and restore foot function.
Possible Causes:
- Inherited Foot Type: Certain foot types make a person more susceptible to developing bunions. The foot may be structurally unstable, leading to the formation of a bunion.
- Foot Stress or Injuries: Injuries to the foot or excessive stress from activities that put pressure on the joint, like ballet or running, can precipitate bunion formation.
- Ill-fitting Shoes: Shoes that are too tight, have high heels, or a narrow toe box can compress the toes, forcing the joint out of alignment and causing a bunion.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This type of arthritis is known to make individuals more prone to bunions due to the inflammation and change in joint function it causes.
- Congenital Deformities: Some people are born with foot deformities that increase their risk of developing bunions over time.
Prevention Strategies:
- Wear properly fitting shoes with a wide toe box
- Avoid high heels and narrow, pointy-toed shoes
- Use shoe inserts or orthotics for support
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the feet
- Practice foot exercises to strengthen the muscles
- Avoid activities that put excessive stress on the feet
- Regularly stretch and flex the toes and feet
- Seek prompt treatment for foot deformities or structural abnormalities
Schedule Your
Podiatry Consultation
Illinois Podiatry Specialists, staffed by board-certified foot and ankle specialists, is your go-to resource for bunions. We offer a range of treatment options tailored to your specific needs, including both conservative and surgical interventions. Take advantage of our same-day availability and schedule a consultation today. Let us help you find relief from bunion pain and restore the health and comfort of your feet.
Contact Illinois Podiatry Specialists Today
Illinois Podiatry Specialists Hinsdale
950 N York Rd, Suite 105
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Illinois Podiatry Specialists Glendale Heights
701 Winthrop Ave Floor, Ste. 101
Glendale Heights, IL 60139
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