Bunion Causes & Treatment
What is a Bunion?
Bunion is a bony enlargement of the joint and the surrounding soft tissue at the base of big toe. As the big toe turns in towards the other toes, people experience pain, redness, and swelling at the big joint. Interestingly, women are 10 times more likely than men to have bunions.
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Family history
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Arthritic changes
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Improper gait
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Improper footwear (high heels and narrow toe box shoes)
Complications of Bunions
Main Causes of Bunions
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Irritation at the big toe joint
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Calluses
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Hammer toes
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Difficulty fitting in shoes
Conservative ways to reduce Bunion symptoms
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Padded bunion day or night splint to keep big toe straight
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Stretching of shoe to accommodate bunion
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Soaking in warm epsom salt water for pain relief
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Topical anti-inflammatory cream
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Prescription Custom made orthotics to correct gait abnormalities
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Proper footwear- limit use of high heels and wear proper width shoes