» What are Bunions?
Bunions are a bony prominence that is usually located on the joint of the big toe. Wearing inappropriate footwear and even simple aging can cause the pain that is associated with bunions. The good news is that relief is on the way! Read below for more information and help with bunions.
» Bunion Diagnosis
The general diagnosis for a bunion is a misshapen big toe that sticks out from the side of your foot and causes pain. This bony protrusion causes friction and pain when you wear shoes. If you have a small bunion on your baby toe then it is called a bunionette. If you find relief when you take off your shoes then the pain could be due to bunions.
» The Cause of Bunions
The clinical name for a bunion is hallus valgus. There are a variety of ways for bunions to occur. Shoes that don't fit right, especially shoes without sufficient room in the 'toe box', are known to cause bunions. Also, if your foot tends to roll inward too much when you are walking then a big toe bunion could be formed.
» Getting Relief for Bunions
The first thing to do in order to find relief from the pain of bunions is to make sure that your shoes fit right and fit comfortably. Be sure that the shoes that you wear incorporate a toe box that is wide enough to accommodate the bunion on your big toe. This will ensure that your bunion is not being exposed to even more friction which will cause even more pain.
There are a variety of bunion relief products that you can use. Some of them are listed on the right hand side of this page. You can also use bunion shields and bunion pads in order to shelter your big toe. These devices can help to cushion your bunion when you are going about your daily activities and give you the temporary relief that you need in order to stay somewhat active. Some orthotics and foot inserts can help to spread out the pressure that is applied along the arch as well as the ball of the foot. This can help to keep the bones from separating and causing even more pain.
If none of this seems to work for you then it would be advisable for you to see a podiatrist. It should also be noted that you may have to visit your family doctor before you can be referred to a podiatrist.