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Posts for category: Bunion

By Crofton Podiatry
October 11, 2018
Category: Bunion
Tags: high heels   flats   shoes   surgery   orthotic  

While the wrong types of shoes may not directly cause bunions, they can be the reason why they become worse. Long-term use of shoes that do not have the proper foot support can lead the bunion becoming larger, stiffer, and more painful.

So what actually causes bunions?

While the exact cause is unknown, it seems that genetics, injuries to the big toe joint, and excessive pressure to the forefoot causes the big toe to begin pointing toward the other toes. The bony spur develops as a response to direct pressure, improper healing, or as a support to the big toe joint.

Then what types of shoes make bunion symptoms worse?

  • High heels (higher than 2 inches) – Wearing high heels puts an extraneous strain on the forefoot, especially at the big toe joint. The extra pressure can cause inflammation and pain after even just a few minutes. Eventually, it can cause the bony spur to get bigger and more painful.
  • Narrow and/or pointed-toe shoes – While some shoes seem very fashionable and trendy by being pointy or narrow, it’s not actually the right shape for your feet. Forcing your feet to spend the day walking in narrow or pointy shoes can further force your big toe to point toward your other toes.
  • Tight shoes or shoes that are small for you - Don’t forget that your feet swell a little bit throughout the day, so it’s best to find shoes that fit you in the afternoon. Additionally, some shoes do not come in half sizes, so you may have to size up or down. Be careful with sizing down since your feet (and bunions) need space to feel comfortable.
  • Stiff, non-adjustable shoes – Shoes with elastic material, straps, or laces will allow you to adjust your shoes to comfort as the day goes on. Again, tight shoes will only make bunion symptoms worse! If your bunion becomes inflamed, you’ll want to give your feet some breathing room by adjusting them.
  • Flats – Ballerina flats and other flat shoes that do not have arch support can cause more pressure on the big toe joint. If you prefer to wear flats, try adding arch support inserts to feel more comfortable.

What is the lesson learned? If you have bunions, don’t make them worse with the wrong shoes. Try looking for footwear that is low-heeled, comfortable, roomy for your toes, supportive for your arches, and adjustable throughout the day.

Of course, those with severe bunions already should speak with our podiatrist for the best solution. You may need custom orthotic shoes to fit severely deformed feet. Surgery might even be necessary if bunions really get in the way of your life.

We can help you! Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505 to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Come to visit our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding areas of Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.

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By Crofton Podiatry
August 01, 2018
Category: Bunion

Got bunions? They’re not as fun as Funyuns, but they may make you tear up like onions. The bony growths that stick out from the big toe joint can cause you pain and discomfort. For some, it’s manageable, but for others, putting shoes on can be painful and some footwear can be impossible to fit into.

Where did your bunions come from?

A bunion is a deformity at the base of the big toe. The bone behind the big toe joint is unstable and it can shift up and away, causing the big toe to turn in towards the other smaller toes. The constant pressure on that joint area from wearing shoes can cause a bony growth to develop. When left unchecked, the bony growth can become so large that the foot shape changes. The top of the big toe moves from pointing forward to pointing at the other toes. Fitting into sandals or other structured shoes with smaller toe boxes will be difficult.

What other things could happen when you have bunions?

When left untreated, bunions can cause further complications for your feet. Additional foot problems can arise, leading to other areas of pain and/or discomfort for your feet. The following complications can arise if bunions become severe:

  • Toe deformities: hammertoes, mallet toes, and overlapping toes can all occur because of the misalignment of the big toe. The big toe can push the smaller toes into different positions, especially while wearing shoes – and the long-term effect is that the toes become stiff in those positions.
  • Bursitis: Chronic inflammation of fluid-filled sacs (bursa) that provide cushioning around joints. As the big toe joint is irritated by footwear rubbing against the area sticking out, the bursae become inflamed and cause you pain.
  • Ball of foot pain: Also called metatarsalgia, it occurs when there is chronic inflammation of the balls of the feet. The bunion issue can cause you to want to transfer pressure onto your other toes and the rest of the midfoot, away from the bunion. The balls of the feet experience strain from overuse.

So if you have bunions, take steps to reduce worsening symptoms, for it can lead to further complications. Try some at-home treatments for your bunions and wear shoes that won’t aggravate your bunion pain. If you have a severe bunion and need help treating it, make an appointment at our Crofton, MD office to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll. At Crofton Podiatry, we will use the latest treatment options to assess and take care of your foot and ankle needs. Visit our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.

 

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By Crofton Podiatry
December 13, 2017
Category: Bunion

Not only do bunions run in the family, they are more likely to affect women because of the types of shoes they wear. Just ask some famous women who are known for sporting the high heels: Amal Clooney, Victoria Beckham, and Jennifer Lopez. These celebrities have been spotted with the big toe joint deformity and as with everyone else, need to take care of them.

The usual treatment options for small or newly forming bunions include:

  • Bunion pads to cushion the bump from irritation in shoes,
  • Splints to keep the big toe forward instead of turned in toward the other toes,
  • Changing to shoes without high heels and with a roomier toe box,
  • Orthotic inserts to relieve pressure on the big toe joint, AND
  • Cortisone injections for pain relief.

However, for some, bunions can just keep getting worse, with a bony spur developing to the point where it’s difficult to find shoes that will fit properly. The symptoms associated with the deformity can be debilitating, to the point of not being able to walk without pain. It can even lead to other problems with the feet as the deformity causes other problems like corns and calluses, and hammertoes.

When bunions get in the way of your living your life, our podiatrist may turn the conversation toward bunion surgery. Here’s what you should know:

  • Bunion surgery is usually a last resort after all other options have been explored.
  • It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.
  • The bunion can be surgically corrected by removing bony spurs or by cutting and realigning the big toe joint.
  • Other procedures may be required, depending on the extent of the bunion problem. If the bunion is due to arthritis or other joint problem, screws or metal plates may be needed to replace the joint.
  • It takes many weeks to recover. Rest is important so the foot should not bear weight. Using crutches and wearing a boot or cast is necessary for protection. There will probably be swelling for a few weeks.
  • The time it takes to heal properly will depend on the procedure and how well you adhere to rehabilitation steps (such as physical therapy).
  • This is not necessarily a one-time fix. Bunions can recur, especially if you go back to old habits that made it worse in the first place.

If bunions have affected your lifestyle, and have been a persistent problem for you, consult with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505 to receive a thorough assessment to see if surgery is the answer. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding areas of Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie.

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By Crofton Podiatry
May 04, 2017
Category: Bunion
Tags: Bunion   Hammertoes  

Have you noticed pain or a bump on the inside of the big toe joint? You may have a bunion. Also known as hallux valgus, a bunion is a bony protrusion, which makes the big toe lean toward the second toe. This can happen due to constant pressure on the big toe joint, whether it be from tight shoes, deformities, or injury. Symptoms can include: pain, redness, inflammation, callus or corn on the bump, and stiffness in the big toe. Your feet may feel more discomfort in your shoes, requiring you to buy footwear with a bigger toebox.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Leaving bunions untreated can make the growth bigger and complicate the problem. It can cause higher risk for bursitis, hammertoes, arthritis, and even cause deformity in your feet. If the issue becomes severe enough, you may even need surgery to fix the problem. For most, however, surgery is not required. Some treatment options include:

  • Icing – If there is swelling and/or pain from your bunions, you can use an ice pack or cold compress for 15-20 minutes, several times a day to relieve it.
  • Padding – There are bunion pads available to purchase at drugstores or pharmacies to cushion the bunions from further pressure or irritation.
  • Medication – NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can help with reducing inflammation and/or pain. If you need to take these medications, make sure to follow the recommended dosing.
  • Replacement Footwear – You may need to buy new shoes that better fit your feet. With bunion development, there’s a good chance that your big toe joint has pressure on it from current footwear. With bunions, the front of the shoes will need more room.

  • Orthotics (custom, if necessary) – Some shoe inserts can help take pressure off the bunion. There are also toe spacers that will keep the big toe straighter, and prevent from pushing into your second toe.

Got bunion pain? Come see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505 to get assessed and properly treated. Our team is ready to assist you at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.

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By Brad Toll
February 20, 2015
Category: Bunion

Even though February is here New Year’s is still fresh, and it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to make this 2015 the best year yet!  First on most people’s list for their 2015 resolution is improving their personal health. However, accomplishing these goals may be impossible when you’re hindered by bunion pain. We see many patients in the Crofton, Gambrills and greater Annapolis area who have let their bunion pain bother them for years before coming into our office to get it fixed. 

Bunions are not only cosmetically embarrassing, and painful, but can also increase your risk of trips falls, and other injuries. Delaying treatment is only delaying your return to a healthy life!  Surgical management of your bunion is often simple, and definitive. Oftentimes your local podiatrist can offer a multitude of surgical and non-surgical options which can resolve your bunion deformity, remove your foot pain, and kick your 2015 off to a great start in a matter of months.

Ignoring your bunion won’t make it go away! If your feet are causing your pain and are keeping you from accomplishing your resolution for a healthier 2015, find a local foot specialist to talk about getting your pain resolved, and putting your best foot forward in the New Year! If you’re around the greater Annapolis area, feel free to give us a call here at Crofton Podiatry at 410-721-4505 or schedule online here!

By Brad Toll.

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2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25
Crofton, MD 21114

Podiatrist - Crofton, Crofton Podiatry, 2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25, Crofton MD, 21114 (410) 721-4505