A bunion is a bony lump that appears on the inner side of the foot by the big toe. If you’ve developed this foot deformity, it’s vital to learn the dos and don’ts of bunion care so you know how to manage the problem effectively. After all, bunions tend to become more prominent and painful over time, especially if they aren’t looked after properly.
We often diagnose and treat bunions at our London podiatry clinics, so we’re well-placed to explain why people experience them and offer advice about what to do – and what not to do – when dealing with a bunion on one or both feet.
Misaligned MTP Joints Lead to Bunions
At the bottom of the big toe, there’s a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, which connects the toe to the first metatarsal bone.
If the MTP joint is unstable or exposed to prolonged, excessive pressure, it may move out of its correct position. Then the big toe will lean inwards (and may end up overlapping other toes), the first metatarsal will point outwards, and the joint itself will push against the side of the foot, forming a bunion.
You’re likely to experience redness, swelling, and pain at the site of a bunion, as well as stiffness in your big toe. Long-term bunion care and treatment is required to alleviate these symptoms and keep the condition under control.
Risk Factors for Bunions
Many different factors can increase people’s chances of developing bunions, including:
- Abnormalities affecting the foot’s structure or function – examples include overly flexible MTP joints, weak muscles or overpronation (which means the foot rolls inwards excessively, putting the inner side under strain).
- The ageing process – foot joints deteriorate as people get older.
- Rheumatoid arthritis – this autoimmune disease is linked to widespread inflammation, which damages joints.
- Uncomfortable footwear – the main culprits are women’s narrow, high-heeled shoes. They put too much pressure on the front of feet and squeeze toes together.
- Standing/being active for long periods – nurses, teachers and ballet dancers often overuse their MTP joints.
Bunion Surgery vs Conservative Treatment
Given all the risk factors, you probably won’t be surprised to hear that bunions are extremely common. According to InformedHealth, they’re thought to affect one in five people.
So why is bunion correction surgery – which is the only way to realign the MTP joint and get rid of a bunion – only used in the severest cases? The answer is the recovery process is challenging and lengthy. As the NHS makes clear, some patients need three months off work and can’t play sports for six.
Paying attention to the following dos and don’ts of bunion care and receiving conservative, non-invasive treatment from podiatry specialists are better options for most people.
What to Do and Avoid When Caring for a Bunion
Pain Management
Don’t try to put up with or ‘push through’ bunion pain instead of finding ways to relieve it. Bunions can be agonising and make performing everyday tasks difficult.
Do place an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel over your bunion for five minutes at a time to reduce pain and swelling. You can also take painkillers such as paracetamol in moderation.
Do massage your foot to soothe a sore bunion. For example, apply gentle pressure to the soft tissue between your first and second metatarsals then carefully rock your big toe back and forth.
Footwear Choices
Don’t wear ill-fitting shoes that make your toes feel cramped or force your feet into unnatural positions. They’ll only aggravate your bunion.
Do swap unforgiving shoes for ones made of soft leather with roomy toe boxes and low heels, preferably from shoe shops that measure feet.
Lifestyle Changes
Do rest your feet regularly instead of being on the go all the time and try to avoid hard floors. Your employer may be able to adapt your working environment (by making more chairs available, say) to help you.
Professional Help
Don’t delay seeking professional help because your bunion is currently small or you’re embarrassed about your foot’s appearance. There’s no point letting the issue get out of hand when our podiatry service is readily available.
Do visit our podiatrists for expert bunion treatment.
This may include:
- Protecting your bunion by applying padding.
- Suggesting foot-strengthening exercises.
- Producing prescription orthotics that direct pressure away from your bunion and improve foot function (by reducing overpronation, for example).
- Treating bunion-related issues such as ingrown toenails and calluses.
- Periodically reassessing your bunion and modifying your treatment plan as required.
For effective bunion treatment in London, book an appointment with Feet By Pody today.