A bunion is a term used to define the condition of the big toe becoming inclined towards the toe next to it instead of pointing ahead. In medical terminology it is called hallux valgus and is known to develop due to a structural problem in bones of the toe – most commonly metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Usually, the bone under the big toe gets displaced and the feet do not line up properly.  Here, the treatment methods available include self-care, medications, and bunion surgery in Houston.

Causes of bunions

In most cases of bunions, the big toe is inclined against the toe next to it and leads to the joint sticking out. The root cause might lie in some hereditary problems with the bones of the foot. There could be several other causes too, as discussed here:

• Overpronation

This is a condition that is often caused by wearing tight shoes and might lead to a bunion. It gives a low arch or imbalanced weight-bearing in the toe which further causes instability in the tendon and the toe joint.

• Hyper-mobility

A big toe bone that is more movable than normal may also cause a bunion like condition that may require proper Bunion solutions in Houston.

• Injuries

Injuries in the foot might take a critical turn sometimes and dislocate the bone under the toe to cause a bunion.

• Arthritis

Arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis that affects the bones of the lower part of the body may also develop a bunion as a parallel condition.

• Nerve-related issues

Medical conditions that are related to the nerves like polio may also trigger the development of bunions in the foot.

As suggested by some podiatrists, anecdotal evidence shows that the growth of bunions may be triggered by excessively wearing narrow or high-heeled shoes.

Treatment of bunions

The treatment of bunions will begin from the podiatrist or foot specialist observing and examining the bunion. The physical examination might be followed by an X-ray diagnosis. An X-ray report will tell the doctor about the seriousness of the bunion and will help him organize the further treatment. It will also help him judge if there’s the need for a bunion surgery in Houston.

The podiatrist may prescribe some home remedies and self-care to be carried out throughout the treatment.

• Wear footwear that fit nicely. This implies that the shoes should leave sufficient space for the toes inside.
• Get orthotics. Orthotics are shoe inserts that relieve the pressure on the toe and they are available for online purchase.
• To help with swelling around the affected area, applying ice would be an appropriate measure.
• The podiatrist may advise you to avoid activities like standing for a long time or indulging in contact sports as these might increase the pain.
• To alleviate irritation and provide support, other Bunion solutions in Houston localized include the padding, splinting, or taping of the toe.

Besides these self-care measures, the doctor will continue the treatment with medications to alleviate swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain killer medications and cortisone injections will form part of these. The cortisone injection is given to ease swelling, especially in the cushioning pads around the bones that are fluid-filled.

Some patients having bunions will have to undergo a surgery to get completely treated of this malady. It will be recommended for those people who,

• are having inflammation and pain, not relieved by other treatments
• are having a deformity where one toe is crossing over another toe
• are having stiffness and cannot bend or straighten the toe

A bunion surgery in Houston is rarely recommended to young people, and it is aimed towards realigning the displaced MTP joint and resolving any other deformities that might be present. Subsequent visits will be recovered and complete recovery might take about 6 months.