Bunions Treatment in Wellington, FL and Boca Raton, FL
A bunion is a common foot deformity characterized by a bony bump appearing at the base of the big toe joint. This bump tends to progressively worsen over time if left untreated, growing larger and pushing the big toe out of alignment. Beyond altering the physical appearance of the feet, bunions can also become painful, swollen, tender, and inflamed, making wearing shoes and walking uncomfortable.
Bunions are thought to be caused by genetics. Various structural and biomechanical differences in the feet can be inherited and make bunions more likely to develop over time. Wearing shoes that are too tight and crowd the toes can make existing bunions progressively worsen. Having rheumatoid arthritis can also increase your risk of developing bunions over time.
Tailor’s Bunions
A tailor’s bunion (a.k.a. bunionette) is similar to a regular bunion, yet different. Tailor’s bunions are painful, red, inflamed protrusions, however, unlike a regular bunion, a tailor’s bunion occurs outside the foot—and on the end of little toe.
Tailor’s bunions may develop on both feet. They may also occur along with regular bunions. Although they are rare, they may be caused by genetics, or wearing ill-fitting shoes/high heels that are too tight or have pointed toes. Having loose ligaments and tight calf muscles can also increase your risk of developing a tailor’s bunion.
Like regular bunions, the best prevention method is to avoid wearing shoes that fit properly and have plenty of room in the toes. If a tailor’s bunion does develop, custom orthotics may help reduce inflammation and pain, as well as pain medications. Silicon bunion pads can help prevent footwear from rubbing against the tailor’s bunion and some cases, corticosteroids may be injected to help alleviate swelling.
Because bunions can result in other painful foot problems such as hammertoes and bursitis, we recommend that you meet with a podiatrist for a professional diagnosis and for information regarding all your treatment options.
