Bunions can affect around 25% of all people. They can become extremely painful and make it difficult for some to be able to find footwear that feels comfortable on their feet again. If you are starting to suffer from bunions, the best thing to do is to always speak to a specialist to help you out as early as possible, in order to avoid any future increase in issues and long-lasting pain. That’s why you might need help from podiatry near me.
Due to bunions being a problem that occurs on the feet, people tend to not want to talk about them and leave them undiagnosed and unhealed. Sadly though, not talking about it will not help you and you should consult a podiatrist near me if you are feeling pain or irritation due to bunions being increasingly present on your feet.
If you are not certain as to whether or not it is in fact bunions that are causing you pain and irritation, it is still important to talk to a specialist who will be able to diagnose your issue and hopefully, help you with whatever your ailment is. Will you need a bunion corrector or bunion surgery? Hopefully the former before the latter – but always look for a local podiatrist.
What are Bunions?
First of all, however, it is important to understand what exactly a bunion is. A bunion, otherwise known by its medical term, Hallux valgus, is a deformity that can occur on the joint of the big toe, due to the big toe being progressively deviated towards the other toes. Bunions can become quite noticeable over time, as they create a lump on the foot, right where the joint of the big toe is.
The second vitally important thing to know is, of course, what exactly causes bunions to emerge. The best podiatrist will be able to give you lots of advice on this.
There are in fact many factors that could be contributing to the emergence of bunions on your feet. For example, you could be experiencing the pain from bunions due to tight footwear.
Indeed, wearing shoes that are too small or very tight can not only be painful as you wear them, but they can in fact cause serious damage to your feet that you may have to deal with later on. Pushing your toes and the entire front of your foot closer together is not natural and can indeed be the cause of the bunions that are now paining your feet.
Tight footwear may not only be a problem for shoes that are too small for you. In fact, certain high heels, if worn frequently, can definitely be the cause of bunions. The way that some high heels are designed do take into account the natural formation of the foot and, should you choose the discomfort for the sake of the style, you could be causing your feet some serious damage that will last beyond the time that you are wearing the shoes.
Other things can of course be the cause of bunions emerging on your feet too, such as genetics, foot trauma from an accident, and certain other food conditions.
The best way to avoid having bunions is to take care of your feet! Try to wear comfortable and well fitting shoes everyday and remember to rest your feet if you have been working out, dancing, hiking, or doing other physical activities!
Your nearest podiatrist may be able to help with bunion pain and more – you might need a bunion splint, for example.
How Can a Podiatrist Help With Bunions?
If it has been professionally confirmed that you have bunions, then the first thing that you are going to want to do is to contact a podiatrist. Podiatrists are medical professionals specialised in the healing of feet, ankles and legs.
Therefore, it is only logical that you would want someone who has been professionally trained to treat feet. Not all bunions are the same. Depending on the cause of your bunions, the treatments will vary. Always see a local podiatrist for foot pain.
Should your bunions be due to a hereditary issue, then you may have to opt for some more serious treatment than that of just wearing more comfortable shoes. That being said, should the issue be something far less serious, then you will not want to opt for a surgery that you don’t necessarily need!