As working individuals of fast-growing communities, we are faced with many pressures and challenges. We move, we go places, and that means constant use of our feet. Therefore, feet need special care since they support most of our weight and keep us upright and balanced.
Bunions are caused by foot pressure and by tight shoes. Other factors also include natural deformities or medical complications such as arthritis. Bunion leaves the joint pointing out, making it vulnerable to pressure and force.
If you observe the following signs, you might need to go to a specialist to prevent further inflammation.
If the pain worsens, see a specialist immediately. A bunion can be an early sign of much worse conditions like bursitis, osteoarthritis, and bone cancer.
Bunions are deformities, but there are available methods to help treat this condition.
Wear comfortable shoes, especially if your regular activities involve walking and standing for long periods of time. Make sure to relieve pressure from the joints. Choose footwear with wide-toe boxes. Make sure that the toes do not carry the concentrated mass of the body, so choose the flattest heel possible.
When the foot becomes painful, home remedies are available, like warm soaks, ice packs, massages, and anti-inflammatory medicine. There are bunion support shoes (orthotics) that provide a soft cushion for the foot. Avoid extreme activities that can involve a lot of movements and trigger pain. Finally, maintain a healthy weight to lessen foot problems.
If home remedies are not enough, you might opt to see a doctor and be diagnosed with bunion surgery. Doctors know if the condition requires immediate surgery or can still be corrected with the help of non-surgical methods. Severe pain can also cause further infection. While surgery doesn't mean that the pain will be completely fixed, the purpose of the operation is to restructure the foot to prevent further deformation, with rehabilitation that can last for an average of six months.
Does bunion support work? Bunion correctors like bunion support braces are foot sleeves used to straighten the deformed toe and return it to its original position. They are designed to force the dislocated toe back, just like how braces align the teeth. They vary in design, but their general feature separates the big toe from the adjacent toe. It is advisable to wear bunion support at night as well to keep the foot protected from any activity.
Toe spacers are made with gel or silicone pads and are placed between the big toe and second toe to provide comfort by softly pushing the big toe into its more natural position. They lessen the amount of pressure that the big toe exerts on the second toe, lowering the chance of blisters.
Bunion splints are devices generally put on when going to bed. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These bunion correctors function by pushing the big toe back into its usual position. While they don't cure or stop the bunion, they can alleviate its symptoms and slow down its development.
Bunion arch supports give structural support to your bones while keeping them aligned. Arch support devices may be purchased over-the-counter or altered to suit your requirements, and they assist in the prevention of the bunion’s progression.
Bunion pads, both gel, and moleskin can help alleviate the pain and swelling when bunions are pushed against them. They offer protection against pressure and friction. These devices can be reusable and can be used for a long time.
These gadgets will not treat bunions, but they can alleviate symptoms such as swelling and pain. They may also make it simpler for a bunion sufferer to perform basic activities and slow or stop the bunion formation. People wear bunion correctors daily to avoid surgical treatment. But before using a bunion corrector, talk to a podiatrist because they are experts in understanding bunions and the best devices to use for any given condition.
Bunion recovery is a slow task. However, these are some simple activities to engage with to help aid alignment and recovery.
To strengthen your toes, curl and point your toes slowly. For 2 to 3 sets of 20 reps, sit with your feet hanging in the air. Curl and point your toes gently.
Place your foot on the floor while sitting. With toes raised and heels rooted in the ground, spread your toes slowly. Repeat this motion 10 to 20 times for every foot.
Massage reduces inflammation and improves mobility in your joints. While seated, lean over your big toes and grasp them. Circle the toes clockwise 20 times. Switch directions another 20 times before stopping. Do 2 to 3 sets every day or as instructed by your doctor.
With a stretchable band wrapped around your big toes, pull them away from each other. Hold for 5 seconds before releasing. Do the exercise for 20 reps.
Place your foot on top of a tennis or any medium-sized ball, apply a little pressure and roll it back and forth. This back and forth rolling of your foot is beneficial for all types of foot pain.
Seated on a chair, place a towel or washcloth on the ground. Scrunch the towel with your toes or use a pulling motion to grip the towel. Do this for 5 minutes.
In this activity, up to 20 marbles are placed on the ground with a bowl beside them. While sitting, use your toes to collect the marbles and place them inside the bowl.
Remember to always consult a doctor when doing any bunion treatment to prevent further pain or even dislocation.
We use our feet daily, so we shouldn’t neglect them. Bunions are some of the most common foot conditions people face. Bunions result from many underlying factors that we may fail to recognize until it's too late. But it is not the end of the world; bunions can be prevented, if not treated. However, before trying anything new, remember to always consult your doctor to get the appropriate treatment plan for you.
