Bunion Treatment
Bunions referred to in the medical community as Hallux Valgus, are one of the most common forefoot problems. Symptoms of bunions include inflammation, swelling, and soreness on the side surface of the big toe. Bunions worsen over time and cause discomfort, difficulty walking, and skin problems such as corns and calluses. Without treatment, the deformity eventually becomes disabling. Custom orthotics to prevent over pronation will help significantly to restore normal gait and less pressure on the Hallux.
Bunion is most often caused by tight and ill fitting footwear, the first step to arrest development is to change shoes to those with a wide toe box and soft and flexible uppers. Getting the feet into a normal and healthy position can be sufficient in itself to stop further development, and to encourage the toes back into place.
The following bunion treatment can assist with the painful and debilitating effects..
- Bunion splints and custom orthotics are able to provide relief.
- Resting the foot, reducing excessive walking, and wearing loose shoes or sandals can relieve the uncomfortable pain of bunions.
- Soaking your feet in warm water may relieve some of the pain, while softening calluses that have developed
- Stretching exercises are sometimes given to reduce tension on the affected joint.
- optimizing footwear with a weight bearing orthotic and maintaining good foot hygiene
When the bunion becomes inflamed and the skin breaks the area can become prone to infection. The key to correction is to take action early.