What Is Causing My Bunion?

Colorado Springs Bunions - Causes: If you have noticed a bony bump at the base of your big toe, you may have a bunion. Bunions, also known as Hallux valgus, can exist on the joints of smaller toes as well, and are called bunionettes. Bunions form on the joint at the base of the big toe. They are caused by the big toe pushing up against the other toes. This in turn causes the big toe joint to go in the opposite direction that it was created to go and away from the normal profile of the foot.

Bunion causes are all related to the foot bearing and shifting weight unevenly, causing increased pressure and stress on joints and tendons of the foot. There are several causes of bunions. The most common cause seems to be wearing shoes that fit too tightly. Tight shoes can force the big toe in the direction it was not made to go in. Bunion causes can also be related to an inherited structural defect, as well as simple stress on the foot. Sometimes even medical conditions, like arthritis can cause bunions. High-heeled shoes and foot injuries are another cause of bunions. The WebMD website (www.mebmd.com) states that women are especially prone to bunions due to years of wearing high heeled shoes, tight shoes and pointed shoes, as all these types of shoes gradually push foot bones into a deviated shape.

According to the Mayo Clinic website (www.mayoclinic.com), typical symptoms of a bunion include a protruding bump at the base of the big toe, restricted movement, and sometimes chronic or acute pain. You may also notice corns or calluses where the first and second toes overlap, as well as thickening of skin at the base of the big toe. Some patients suffer from swelling and redness at the joint of the big toe, as other tissues besides the joint tissues can become swollen and irritated. Sometimes the pain of a bunion can be enough that you are unable to walk in normal shoes.

Taking care of a bunion when it first begins by wearing different shoes is the best way to treat a bunion and prevent it from getting worse. It is necessary to call your doctor if you experience continued pain, even after wearing better shoes, if you are prevented from doing your normal activities or if you notice redness or swelling, which can be a sign of infection. According to the National Institutes of Health website (www.nih.gov), if you are a diabetic patient having bunion symptoms you will want to contact your doctor right away.

Bunions can be painful and annoying. With the right treatment, they can be stopped. If you are noticing any of these symptoms it is wise to call your doctor and get them checked out before the bunion gets worse.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Colorado Springs bunions doctor, Kerry E. Berg, DPM at Intermountain Foot and Ankle. you can schedule a consultation to discuss your condition. Consultations are covered by most insurances.

» More about: Intermountain Foot & Ankle

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LINK: Circling the Planet Four Times Takes a Toll On Your Feet

A recent article in MarketWatch talked about the importance of choosing and wearing the proper shoes as you age. Some of the statistics might be surprising to you.

Here's a bit from the article:

The average person takes approximately 10,000 steps a day, the equivalent of 115,000 miles over their lifetime or enough to travel around the planet over four times. So it comes as no surprise to FootSmart, the expert foot health and comfort outfitter, that approximately 80 percent of the U.S. adult population suffers from one or more painful, sometimes debilitating foot ailments. A pioneer of lower body and foot health since the late 80s, FootSmart has been on a mission to keep consumers moving in comfort.

"When your feet hurt, or are not properly cushioned or supported, your entire lower body can be negatively affected, including a bevy of knee and hip pain and spine alignment issues," says Alan Beychok, president and CEO of Benchmark Brands, parent company of FootSmart. "These conditions are not limited to those living a sedentary life, but as often, people who lead active lives and make less than comfortable, often compromising footwear decisions."

As America AgesThe American Podiatric Medical Association suggests that only a small percentage of the population is born with foot problems. While it's never been said that your feet are the first things to go, New York City podiatrist and spokeswoman for the American Podiatric Medical Association, likens it to dieting. "Wearing shoes in your 20s, you can get away with anything, but in your 30s and 40s, that isn't the case." For the first time, those demographic limitations apply to the entire Gen X generation who has unceremoniously exited their 20s in 2012. For an aging population consumed by growing waistlines and visible crow's feet, neglect and lack of proper care of feet, including ill-fitting shoes, can wreak havoc on the entire lower part of the body due in part to improper movement, weakened joints, poor circulation and overworked legs.

Read more: Circling the Planet Four Times Takes a Toll On Your Feet

If you're experiencing pain in your feet, it might be a good idea to talk to a Colorado Springs podiatrist who can evaluate your condition and recommend the proper care and possible treatment of your feet. But feet health can be more  than just wearing the right shoes, as this article explained. Diet, lifestyle, and even other health conditions can contribute to feet health issues.

Get more information at: Intermountain Foot & Ankle, Colorado Springs Podiatry

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