Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

Causes of Bunions:
Pointed shoes, such as high heels and cowboy boots, can contribute to the development of hallux valgus. Abnormal foot function comes into play in the development of almost all bunions, and the most common abnormality is over-pronation or excessive flattening of the foot, easily correctable with an orthotic. In addition, hereditity can also be a factor for the cause of bunions.

Symptoms
The symptoms of hallux valgus usually center around the bunion. The bunion can be painful. The severe hallux valgus deformity is also distressing to many, and becomes a cosmetic problem. Finding appropriate shoewear can become difficult. Finally, increasing deformity begins to displace the second toe upward, and may create a situation where the second toe is constantly rubbing on the shoe.

Treatment with Conservative Treatment
Treatment of hallux valgus nearly always starts with adapting the shoewear to fit the foot. In the early stages of hallux valgus, converting from a pointed toe shoe to a wider box toe shoe may arrest the progression of the deformity. The pain that arises from the bunion is due to pressure from the shoe. Treatment focuses on removing the pressure that the shoe exerts on the deformity. Wider shoes reduce the pressure on the bunion. Bunion pads may reduce pressure and rubbing from the shoe. There are also numerous devices, such as toe spacers, that attempt to splint the big toe and reverse the deforming forces.

Treatment with Bunion Surgery
In some very mild cases of bunion formation, surgery may only be required to remove the bump that makes up the bunion. There are many negative stereotypes associated with bunion surgery. People have heard horror stories from grandma's and neighbors...well my friend, times have changed! It's not the same bunion surgery your grandmother had, bunion surgery does not have to be painful. The recovery time for bunion can be very short depending on your situation.

Remember: The bunion is not going to go away...you need to treat it and the earlier you do, the less likely your bunion will require surgery!

To watch a 2 minute video on why Bunion Surgery does NOT have to be painful from a real live patient click here.

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