Learn about risk factors and treatments that can help fight unwanted bunion symptoms, which affect the lives of thousands of people.
Bunion is known by most of the population, but do you know what causes it and what exactly this disease is?
The hallux valgus or hallux valgus, aka bunion, is a lateral deviation between the bones and joints of the toes, which can be originated from congenital factors or external elements.
The feet are limbs made up of bones, joints, tendons, muscles and ligaments. This perfect set is the foundation of the human body and responsible for the movement of walking. That's why taking care of foot health is essential for everyone from childhood.
Apparently harmless, most times the bunion is linked only to an aesthetic aspect, without any interference in the well-being and health of the person affected by the problem; however, there are events that cause extreme discomfort and affect balance when walking, intense pain, local redness, among other aggravating factors. In these cases special care is required under the guidance of a podiatrist.
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What can cause bunion?
Overall, bunion is more common in women. The explanation is directly linked to the use of inappropriate shoes, such as high-heeled or pointed-toe models, which can cause injuries and, over time, damage the joints and cause misalignment of the bone structure of the feet.
Internal (intrinsic) factors are related to predisposition to certain illnesses and family history, which can be:
- Rheumatic diseases: arthritis, gout and lupus.
- Neurological picture: cerebral palsy, spinal cord trauma, stroke.
- Bone and joint problems: ligament laxity, flat feet, congenital malformation, etc.
- Heredity: responsible for more than half of bunion cases.
As the condition worsens, if the person does not follow the recommended care, the joint may suffer an inflammatory process that starts with swelling in the region, caused by the formation of a bag containing fluid, which causes a lot of discomfort, local pain and can even make it difficult its displacement.
To reverse the problem, it is necessary to perform a medical intervention procedure, in which a puncture is performed with an injection to remove the accumulated fluid.
How to prevent the appearance of the bunion?
There is not much that can be done about the intrinsic factors, as they are linked to disease and heredity.
That's why many podiatrists recommend that people be careful about wearing proper shoes. They can help or harm your health, so it is necessary to have models that respect the anatomy of the feet, that are comfortable and that do not impact the joints and soles of the limbs.
Women should avoid wearing certain types of shoes, or else always switch models so that you don't force the same points on your feet.
Check out other suggestions that can be helpful in bunion prevention:
- Soaking your feet in warm water helps with circulation and rest of the joints.
- Shoes should be soft and wide-toed for perfect accommodation of the toes.
- High-heeled shoes should be avoided, but if you need to use them, opt for models with a maximum height of 3 cm.
- Insoles can be great resources for those with foot posture problems, as well as helping to cushion the impact when walking.
- It is recommended to rest your feet and keep them elevated for about 10 minutes a day.
- Going for a walk on the beach works the joints and strengthens the bones, decreasing the possibility of acquiring the disease.
These are simple tips that directly contribute to overall health, as we must always remember that the feet are the foundation of the human body. They are responsible for the locomotion and support of the entire organism.
Correct shoes and special accessories
For those who suffer from bunions, there are several measures that can mitigate its unwanted effects and stop the progress of the disease.
One of the main recommendations of specialists is to resort to accessories or special pillows, which help to combat pain and possible discomfort.
The use of orthopedic splints is also indicated, as they help to correct the displacement of the bone, in addition to preventing the protrusion from growing further.
I knew that the patient can still count on the help of a physiotherapist. Under the supervision of a professional, there are specific rehabilitation exercises that improve the bone's appearance.
With the exception of risk groups, the problem usually appears after the age of 40 and mainly affects women who usually wear high-heeled or pointed-toed shoes.
As the bunion does not discriminate age or gender, the best way to avoid the problem is prevention. Therefore, only choose comfortable and anatomical shoes, which allow the limbs to move inside the shoe. Browse the different types and select the models that meet your feet's specifications.
The guidelines described will help you to prevent bunion and live with the problem. However, in all cases, look for a podiatrist to diagnose the severity level and indicate the most appropriate treatment.
The podiatrist has a fundamental role in monitoring, preventing and controlling foot diseases. Our main objective is to offer quality of life and well-being to people and especially those who have foot problems, as their feet need special care and it is recommended that it be done by a professional.
Make your appointment and start taking better care of your feet today.
