Of all the body parts, your feet are probably the most used, especially if you live an active lifestyle. Your precious feet can easily get weary and sensitive, resulting in unexpected foot problems, such as bunions. This foot ailment is characterized by a huge hump that usually appears in the toe area.
Bunions appear to be a torment of women's existence, owing to various factors such as wearing ill-fitting sandals and high heels or just plain genetics. But what most people don't know is that bunions affect men as well, and they can be excruciatingly painful.
We must realize that men's misaligned joints are also important to discuss so that everyone can prevent it from interrupting daily lifestyles. So if you ever feel like feet are a mystery, read for some helpful information about bunions.
Most Common Question: Do Men Really Suffer From Bunions?
Hallux Valgus, commonly known as the bunions, is an expansion of the metatarsophalangeal joint at the base of the big toe. The metatarsophalangeal joint connects the foot's initial long bone (metatarsal) to the toes' bones (phalanges). Many ligaments and tendons stabilize this joint in a healthy foot. However, the joint can begin to enlarge when these structures become loose or torn, leading to the formation of a bunion.
The Statistics:
Studies show that 58% of the women with lower BMI suffer bunion pain while 25% of the men with higher BMI and Flatfoot, or pes planus, also suffer the same. This study shows that while women are at a higher risk than males, it doesn't mean they are not immune to a foot ailment.
A bunion affects men in the same way as it affects women. This bony lump develops in men with wide feet and wearing tight sneakers—putting pressure on their toes and pushing them into an unpleasant position. Men are also more prone to have certain medical disorders like arthritis, a major cause of bunions. In addition, age is thought to be a factor due to the deterioration of connective tissues. Genetic factors are also at play since foot structure and anatomy can be inherited from your family.
Who Are Mostly Affected by Bunions + Example of Bunion Cases Among Men?
- Ballerinos are particularly vulnerable to bunions because of the repetitive movements in their dancing performances. The big toe puts a lot of strain on the dancer's feet, tiling inward toward the other toes.
- Male athletes are likewise plagued with bunion pain. High-impact activities, such as running, basketball, and soccer, can move the bones in the feet and become deformed due to the frequent pounding.
- Salespeople are no exception on bunions. The habit of continuously wandering around the store or the office during long hours of work shift can damage the feet and cause bony bumps.
- Other cases also tell us that not everyone is blessed with the perfect feet, including some of the most famous men in the world. For example, the Aerosmith frontman, Steven Tyler, has been open about his struggles with his toe problem. He was also reported wearing special shoes onstage to help relieve the pain. The NBA superstar Lebron James also made headlines when he was captured with his funky toes while walking at the beach.
Ticking the Boxes: Finding Out if You Have Bunions
We described the bunion as the painful huge, bulbous bulge at the bottom of the toe area. It's easily identifiable, so you can provide foot remedies right away. However, how can you be certain if something's growing on your toe? Here are some things to keep an eye out for:
- Is your big toe joint causing you discomfort or swelling? These are the apparent signs of toe bunions.
- Is your big toe pointing in the direction of your second toes? This is called "deviation," another common symptom of bunions.
- Do you have trouble fitting into your shoes? It could be a sign if you're constantly struggling to squeeze into your shoes.
- Do you see corn or hard skin on the top of the big toe or the second toe?
- Do you feel stiffness or decreased movement in the big toe?
If your symptoms tick all the boxes, it's necessary to visit a podiatrist for further evaluation.
What Are the Severe Risks of Bunion Pain for Men?
Bunion pain can be much more than just a nuisance for men. It can result in greater risks leading to disability.
The big toe joint protrudes outward and becomes increasingly irritated when it isn't healed. The skin around the joint may become red and inflamed, and the big toe may start to bend toward the other toes. It is also excruciatingly painful to move, so runners or athletes may decrease their productivity in working out. Worst, bunions will frequently return if the underlying causes are not addressed.
If you think there's still a possibility to slow it down, early therapy such as shoe inserts, pads, or bunion braces can considerably improve your chances of a full recovery.
Slowly but Surely: How Bunion Braces for Men Remove the Pain
If you suffer from a bunion, here's a solution: a men's bunion brace. While this device can't totally cure a bunion, it can help stabilize the toe joint and prevent additional bunion expansion.
The brace is usually made of soft, flexible materials such as neoprene or silicone. It typically consists of two straps that wrap around the foot; one strap passing over the top of the foot and the other strap passing under the foot. This will help you move your toes freely while wearing the brace, and it will stay in place without slipping.
The brace straps are connected to a padded splint that covers the area around the bunion. The brace splint relieves pressure on the swollen joint by realigning the bones in the foot. In this case, your skin won't chafe or rub even when wearing it for hours.
The bunion brace corrector for men is also adjustable and can be fitted with a metal plate to provide additional support so that you can wear it during activities or while resting.
There’s No Gender in Bunion Pain: Change the Habit and Start Prioritizing Your Feet
As we end this blog post, we must know that bunions are not just a woman's problem but also a man's. This occurs when an individual doesn’t take the time to properly care for their feet and often ignores the early warning signs of this condition.
As we mentioned, it's important to start caring for your feet as soon as you notice any symptoms of bunions, even if they seem minor at first. By doing so, you can avoid more serious problems down the road.
Of course, surgery is the primary option, but other methods such as bunion braces can help reduce pain and get you back on your feet. They help realign the foot and slow or stop bunion growth. With the help of a bunion brace for men, you can keep your feet healthy and happy.
Explore our website and read our other informative reviews about strong and healthy feet and finally say goodbye to your bunion pain.
August 2, 2022
