Bunions Picture, Removal, Treatment, Care, Pain relief and Cure

Bunions are swellings on toes that arise because the toe bone sticks out at the joint and pressure from shoes causes inflammation and pain.

Bunions can be prevented by wearing well-fitting shoes, and by putting cotton wool between the toes to separate them. If bunions have formed, reduce pressure on the joint by wearing wide, flat shoes.

Bunions worsen over time and cause discomfort, difficulty walking, and skin problems such as corns and lesions. Sometimes, a small fluid-filled sac (bursa) near the joint becomes inflamed (called bursitis), causing additional swelling, redness, and pain.

Bunions are a common problem experienced mostly by women. The deformity can develop from an abnormality in foot function, or arthritis, but is more commonly caused by wearing improper fitting footwear.

Tight, narrow dress shoes with a constrictive toe box (toe area) can cause the foot to begin to take the shape of the shoe, leading to the formation of a bunion.

Symptom of Bunion

The dominant symptom of a bunion is a big bulging bump on the inside of the base of the big toe. Other symptoms include swelling, soreness and redness around the big toe joint, a tough callus at the bottom of the big toe, and persistent or intermittent pain.

Treatment of Bunion

Treatment options are based on the severity of the deformity and symptoms. Nonsurgical treatments usually are enough to relieve the pain and pressure on the big toe.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others), can help to relieve pain. Whirlpool baths also may help to ease discomfort.

Bunion surgery

Bookmark This Page:   :: :: ::

Health Tip

Immunization prevents flu infection in about two-thirds of people who are vaccinated. It can never be 100 percent effective because the virus mutates and different strains are responsible for outbreaks. Recommendations for types of vaccine are issued by the World Health Organization depending on which strains of virus are expected to be prevalent. Vaccination is advised for those in high risk groups such as the elderly or those whose immune systems are depleted.