For more than ten years, I have been dealing with bunion. At first, it only caused a little discomfort and swelling. A neighbor soon told me that my feet had become deformed, which gave me the shock of my life because my feet did, in fact, appear strange.
My visit to orthopedics started at that point. I began to interpret it as God’s punishment. I would tell the doctors why it happened to me since I do not wear heels. They would tell me all kinds of things, such as that it is genetic, the structure of my feet, or that since I work as a cabin crew, I must be wearing high heels. However, nothing could convince me since I was so embarrassed because of my feet’ shape.
One day, the discomfort became so severe that I chose to have surgery to remove them. But the procedure was a failure, just like my life (that cursing habit which we all have if one thing goes wrong). The doctor seriously botched my surgery; the big toe was still there, and I spent around 75 days in bed.
Acceptance is the key
In the end, I made the decision to accept my foot’s current shape because it was not interfering with my marathon training or any other type of physical activity. I became fully mindful that the discomfort was more mental than physical. It is time for me to stop focusing on it.
I started putting effort into averting a worsening of the situation. I began wearing toe separators and wide footwear with cushions (check Amazon for the same). To wear at night, I bought a hallux valgus splint (it would make my feet numb and I would wake up in a lot of pain), so I stopped wearing them. After a while, I realized that many people, particularly women, are affected by it. And using my experience of how to prevent a bunion from getting worse, I helped them.
That concludes my story, in brief. I have attempted to highlight ways in the blog post below to avoid your bunions from getting worse. Try the management and care suggestions listed below if you are the one experiencing this.am
What is Hallux Valgus or Bunion or Big Toe?
One of the most prevalent foot issues, particularly among adults, is bunions. And while bunions can occur at any age, some studies indicate that they are very common in adults. Furthermore, you may have a higher chance of developing bunions if your family has a history of the issue (as in my case) or if you have certain medical conditions.
A significant bulge on the side of the foot that appears at the base of the big toe is known as a bunion or hallux valgus. The bunion may swell and inflame, hurting the foot.
Behind the big toe
A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, develops in the big toe’s MTP (metatarsophalangeal) joint.
Here, the big toe shifts out of position and points toward the outside edge of the foot. The metatarsal head, which is frequently painful and swollen in the metatarsophalangeal joint with hallux valgus, pushes up on the shoe.
Why Do People Get Bunions Or Hallux Valgus?
Anyone can get a bunion, though it tends to affect women and elderly people more frequently. Bunions may develop for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Genetic inheritance
- The design of the foot
- Loose joints
- A flat arch
- Osteoarthritis
- Tight footwear
How to prevent your bunion from getting worse. Bunion management and care.
1.Avoid wearing high heels all the time or stop wearing them completely
Nothing puts more strain on your toes than high heels, especially your big toe joint. Wear flats instead of high heels if you can.
Also, to reduce pressure, if you are going to wear heels, try to limit the height to under two inches. For the optimum weight distribution, consider incorporating wedges or block heels into your shoe collection.
2. Ensure that your shoes are the appropriate size and fit
Wearing the proper footwear is crucial for preventing bunions, despite the fact that it may seem obvious. The development of bunions can be greatly influenced by uneven pressure or rubbing on your toes.
The big toe joint is subjected to additional strain while wearing tight or improperly fitting shoes, which also irritates the skin above.
Additionally, the skin around the bunion may rub against the interior of your shoes. The skin and tissues over the big toe joint may swell as a result, and they may also become irritated, swollen, and painful. A fluid-filled sac called a bursa can occasionally form over the joint.
3. Use toe separators
Bunions toe separators, which fit in the gap between the big toe and the second toe, can prevent the toes from rubbing and crowding one another. Additionally, separators, which fit inside of shoes, might aid in straightening the big toe.
4. Put on Hallux Valgus or bunion splints at night
Your big toe and foot are encircled by bunion splints. Your big toe is temporarily straightened with splints, which can ease stiffness and agony. Splints are typically worn at night because they cannot be worn with shoes.
5. Put on wide shoes
The majority of bunions’ symptoms are caused by pressure from the shoe against the bunion area. Direct pain over the bunion, swelling, redness, and/or blistering are frequently the results of this. Wearing broad shoes might reduce pain in your foot because wearing small shoes forces your big toe inward. Shoes that are too tight or pointed in the front can aggravate the issue.
6. Stretching and strengthening activities for bunions might help your feet
You may train your feet to become stronger and more flexible with particular exercises, just like you can train other parts of your body. This can enhance the general health of your feet, lessen foot and ankle pain, ease muscle aches, and keep you active.
7. Maintain a healthy weight
The pressure of your body weight on your feet is felt with each stride you take. If you are overweight, your big toe joint and foot are subjected to more strain than is necessary.
The more pressure applied, the more likely the toe joint is to become a bunion or become irritated and unpleasant.
8. Ice and pain relievers
Icing the affected area and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs are excellent treatments for bunion pain.
9. Watch your feet for any alterations
Since bunions take time to form, being aware of any changes in your foot may enable you to spot early warning signals. The big toe joint’s pain, swelling, and redness are some of the first indications of a bunion.
Things are probably further along if you start to see a lump or bump on the side of your big toe or if it starts to turn inward toward the other toes.
10. Buy shoes in the evening
The ideal time to buy shoes is right now. The size of your feet is usually greatest in the evening because they swell during the day. If you buy shoes in the morning, they can end up being too small in the evening.
As soon as you purchase your shoes, they should feel comfortable.
Before you buy the shoes, take a walk and make sure they fit you properly and are comfy. Your toes should be free to move around easily and not contact the front of the shoe when wearing shoes that are properly fitted. Make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible in either scenario.
Note
Any information on the website Myblogadda is not proposed as a substitute for medical assistance. Always consult your doctor in the case of any medical diagnosis or cure.
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