About 50% of women and up to 25% of men suffer from bunions at some stage of life. This common foot problem produces painful, bony protuberances that can restrict movement. If not addressed, bunion symptoms may become so severe that walking is affected. A Chattanooga podiatrist helps keep patients active with safe, non-surgical therapies for effective relief of bunion pain.
Bunions are abnormal enlargements of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. They form when disrupted foot mechanics subject the joint to excess pressure. The underlying cause may be genetic. However, in most cases bunions develop after years of wearing fashionable tight, pointy shoes.
A bunions appears as a red, bony swelling on the inside of the foot. It typically pushes the big toe inward to bend towards the other toes. The area around the lump can be stiff, numb, tender or painful. The protuberance may be covered by a sac of fluid called a bursa. Corns or callouses may develop. Bunion pain is exacerbated by tight footwear.
At the Chattanooga podiatry center, bunion patients receive a thorough evaluation. The doctor discusses their symptoms, examines their feet and observes their walking motion. He measures angles between the joint bones to assess the stage of the bunion. He then consults x-rays of the foot to check for any other disorders.
If a bunion is identified early, its progression can be stopped by applying conservative therapies. Padding, splints or toe spacers relieve pressure on the joint and restore the big toe's normal alignment. Custom orthotics reduce discomfort when walking. Ultrasound sessions relieve pain and inflammation and promote healing of soft tissues.
According to the Chattanooga podiatrist, the best way to prevent symptomatic bunions is to choose appropriate footwear. Shoe size should be based on precise foot measurement. Frequently worn shoes should have heels under two inches high and a toe box with wiggle room.
Bunions are abnormal enlargements of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. They form when disrupted foot mechanics subject the joint to excess pressure. The underlying cause may be genetic. However, in most cases bunions develop after years of wearing fashionable tight, pointy shoes.
A bunions appears as a red, bony swelling on the inside of the foot. It typically pushes the big toe inward to bend towards the other toes. The area around the lump can be stiff, numb, tender or painful. The protuberance may be covered by a sac of fluid called a bursa. Corns or callouses may develop. Bunion pain is exacerbated by tight footwear.
At the Chattanooga podiatry center, bunion patients receive a thorough evaluation. The doctor discusses their symptoms, examines their feet and observes their walking motion. He measures angles between the joint bones to assess the stage of the bunion. He then consults x-rays of the foot to check for any other disorders.
If a bunion is identified early, its progression can be stopped by applying conservative therapies. Padding, splints or toe spacers relieve pressure on the joint and restore the big toe's normal alignment. Custom orthotics reduce discomfort when walking. Ultrasound sessions relieve pain and inflammation and promote healing of soft tissues.
According to the Chattanooga podiatrist, the best way to prevent symptomatic bunions is to choose appropriate footwear. Shoe size should be based on precise foot measurement. Frequently worn shoes should have heels under two inches high and a toe box with wiggle room.
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Find a summary of the benefits of consulting a podiatric physician and more information about an experienced Chattanooga podiatrist at http://www.rebyfootcare.com now.
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