Approximately 33 percent of people in Western countries develop bunions. This, however, isn't due to the problem being hereditary, although certain families have the tendency to form them. If you're one of those people suffering from bunions, Dr. Peter Ocampo of Southern Maine Foot & Ankle in Scarborough and Windham, ME, can offer you some advice.
If you start to notice the joint of your big toe becoming larger, then you may be forming a bunion. The protrusion of the bunions can be very painful and other issues such as flat feet, foot injuries and neuromuscular problems may contribute to their formation.
Here are some things bunions can have an effect on:
- Walking can be an obstacle because it rubs against your shoes causing friction, pressure, redness, and eventually pain.
- The bunion can also cause the toe to overlap the third toe, which is something referred to as Hallux Valgus.
- If the bunion moves towards the second toe and starts to rotate, this is called Hallus Abducto Valgus.
- The enlargement moves the toe at an angle where it starts bending in towards the rest of the toes.
The problem with bunions is that they can cause the formation of other toe deformities, such as hammertoes, bursitis, arthritis, and corns and calluses
How to Deal with Bunions
- Make sure to wear shoes that have extra padding. The felt material in the padding creates a protective cushion that reduces friction. This will help reduce the amount of friction and inflammation to your skin.
- Your Scarborough and Windham doctor may recommend an orthotic device designed to keep your toe in the proper position.
- To improve and maintain healthy joint mobility and reduce stiffness, your podiatrist may prescribe exercises.
- Removing corns and calluses, if they've formed any, can help alleviate some of the issues experienced due to bunions.
Bunions are painful to deal with. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, just call your Scarborough and Windham, ME.