Posts for tag: big toe
A bunion, otherwise known as hallux abducto valgus, involves misalignment of the bones at the big toe joint and sometimes the joint within the big toe. This abnormal anatomy causes the boney prominence on the inside of the big toe. Conservative treatments vary, but surgery is the best treatment and extremely common. Some people avoid the surgery because they have heard stories and misconceptions. The surgery does typically require realignment of the bones through bone cuts and screws. The podiatrists at Coastal Podiatry Associates are well trained, having executed hundreds of bunion surgeries. The following statements are myths, especially when using Coastal Podiatry Associates.
Myth 1: Bunion Surgery is Extremely Painful
Bunion surgery is not different from other surgeries. In general, foot surgery can lead to increased pain due to swelling as the foot is below the level of the heart and blood can easily rush to the area. In addition, the foot has less soft tissue surrounding the bones, so moderate swelling can aggravate the nerves leading to pain. Swelling can be reduced through elevation and icing the affected foot.
Myth 2: Bunion Surgery Means a Cast and Crutches
Modern surgical techniques allow patients to mobilize quicker. Most bunion surgeries involve walking in a surgical shoe for six weeks. Mild surgeries can lead to an early return to shoes, while more complex surgeries may require casting and crutches.
Myth 3: You Have to be Off Work
As a general statement, this is not true. The amount of time away from work depends on the demands of the job and type of surgery. A patient can return to a sedentary desk job within two weeks of the surgery. However, jobs requiring excessive walking, standing, and physical activity may require a medical leave of absence.
Myth 4: Healing after Bunion Surgery Results in Unsightly Scars
Surgical healing is part of the process with any surgery. Newer techniques allow for smaller incisions and alternative surgical approaches may be used to hide surgical scars. Bunion incisions are either on the top of the foot or along the side, based on the surgeon’s technique. A surgeon may use a plastic surgery-type closure to minimize scaring.
Myth 5: Bunions Come Back After Surgery
Recurrence can happen after any surgery. The return of a bunion is no different, and it may be something that can happen over time. Patients that have excessive motion in the foot or do not reduce their risk for developing a bunion may experience a recurrence.
Bunions occur at the base of the big toe, when the boney bump forms on the inside of the foot. Bunions can cause intense foot pain and may require surgery. Fortunately, the majority of bunions can be managed without surgery. Non-surgical strategies can help slow the development of a bunion. These exercises are meant to help relieve the pain, not fix the actual bone deformity. With any medical condition, it is best to explore conservative therapy before jumping into surgery. These foot exercises can help keep the joint at the base of the big toe mobile, maintain flexibility, and strengthen muscles. They are a great starting point for treatment and should be conducted every day, ideally in the morning and at night. A podiatrist has undergone extensive training in the causes and treatments for bunions, and should be consulted if the deformity gets worse or continues to cause pain.
Toe Stretches. This stretch will help keep your toes limber and offset foot pain. To stretch, point your toes straight ahead for 5 seconds and then curl them under for 5 seconds. Repeat this stretch 10 times.
Toe Flexing and Contracting. This is conducted by pressing your toes against a hard surface (such as a wall) to flex and stretch them. It is important to flex your toes in the opposite direction too. Each stretch should be held for 10 seconds and be repeated three to four times.
Stretching the Big Toe. Using your fingers, gently pull your big toe into proper alignment. Hold this position for 10 sec and repeat three to four times.
Resistance Exercise. Wrap either a towel or belt around your big toe and use it to pull you big toe toward you while simultaneously pushing forward, against the towel with your big toe.
Towel Curls. Strengthen your toes by spreading out a small towel on the floor, curling your toes around it, and pulling it toward you. Repeat five times.
Picking up Marbles. Place 20 marbles on the floor in front of you and use your foot to pick the marbles up one by one and place them in a bowl. Gripping objects with your toes like this can help keep your foot flexible.
Walking along the Beach. Walking on the sand will give a gentle foot massage and help strengthen your toes.
A bunion is an enlargement of the metatarsophalangeal joint (the joint at the base of the big toe). It is created when bone or tissue of the joint moves. Bending of this altered joint is the source of pain, which is made worse with the joint normally supporting much of the body's weight while walking. Other typical symptoms of a bunion are: a firm bump on the outside edge of the foot at the base of the big toe, redness, swelling, pain, corns or other skin irritation, and restricted or painful movement of the big toe.
Short-term pain relief is easy to do at home. Examples of ways to ease the pain include over the counter bunion pad placed around the bony prominence, wearing shoes with a wide and deep toe area, avoiding high-heeled shoes, and using ice to reduce the swelling. The best treatment for bunion pain is to see your podiatrist. Depending on the size and pain of the bunion, nonsurgical or surgical treatments are both options. Early management tries to relieve pressure on the bunion and stop increased joint deformity. These methods include taping, anti-inflammatory injections, physical therapy, and orthotics. If surgery is required, the surgeon will remove the bony enlargement and restore the natural joint form.
While some foot types have an increased risk of forming bunion, the following list provides tips on preventing bunions. As always, see your podiatrist if you have questions or pain due to a bunion.
- Wear comfortable shoes that mold to your feet
- Always fit the larger foot if you have different sized feet when buying shoes
- Avoid high-heeled shoes over two inches tall
- Wear shoes with plenty of room in the toe area