Treat your feet right!

A bunion is a bump on the joint at the base of the big toe. This is your metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The bump or bunion forms when the big toe joint moves out of place. Then the toe bends toward the other toes. Untreated, the bunion and joint can be painful, stiff and sore. It may hurt to wear shoes.

Bunions often run in families because they are caused by the shape, structure and mechanics of the foot – flat feet, low arches, how we walk. These are some factors that can put extra pressure on the MTP joint and lead to bunions.

Women are at higher risk for bunions due to high heels that place added pressure on the big toe. Heels also tend to be narrow in the toes, squishing the big toe against the others, and pitching a person’s weight forward. 

People tend to see a podiatrist when they notice these symptoms:

• Development of bump and swelling at the base of the big toe
• Tenderness, redness, swelling or pain near the MTP joint at the base of the big toe
• Restricted or painful motion of the big toe

However, as soon as you notice a bunion, it’s best to see a podiatrist before they get bigger and more painful. A podiatrist can offer conservative care to slow the progression and reduce pain.

• Wear custom foot orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist. Evidence shows orthotics decrease foot pain and improve function.
• Wear good, supportive shoes with plenty of room in the toes. Do not wear narrow, pointed shoes that pinch or force the toe into an unnatural position. Ditch the flip flops too!
• Do not wear heels more than 2 inches in height.
• Stretch the Achilles tendon for 10-12 minutes.
• Strengthen the muscles of the arch. Try picking up 20 marbles with your toes and placing in a bowl. Use one foot to pick up all the marbles. Repeat with the other foot.

If bunions are extremely painful, padding and taping can help minimize pain and keep the foot in a normal position. Icing, anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections can also ease pain. These options are typically not permanent fixes.

Bunion surgery can benefit people who have significant pain that limits everyday activities and walking and causes chronic swelling of the joint. A big toe that’s drifting toward the smaller toe is also a sign that you could benefit from surgery. 

A simple bunion surgery can remove the bunion. Some patients may require a more complex surgery to realign the joint. Bones take 6-8 weeks to heal and recovery plans vary according to the type of surgery. Conservative care should continue after bunion surgery as well.

To learn more, visit www.mankatoclinic.com/podiatry-foot-and-ankle.

Take care of your feet!