Bunion or bunion is a common foot deformity that is often misunderstood by many people and causes a lot of unnecessary pain. Diabetic patients are at greater risk of abnormal foot pressure and ulcer formation as a result. Therefore, attention to bunions is a very important part of diabetic foot ulcer prevention.
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a bone protrusion on the medial side of the bunion; broadly speaking, the bone protrusion actually reflects a change in the bone structure of the forefoot. The bunion tilts toward the second toe, exceeding the vertical line, and a “bone protrusion” is formed. As the bunion progresses over the years, the bone tilt slowly becomes larger and the bone protrusion becomes more pronounced. The symptoms of discomfort usually appear later in life, and in some cases there are no obvious symptoms.
What are the causes?
Bunions are the most common type of genetic defect in the mechanics of the foot and can be inherited; however, certain types of feet are prone to bunions. The early onset of symptoms is related to the degree of bone deformity.
What are the symptoms?
May include.
1. pain or soreness.
2. inflammation and redness.
3. a burning sensation.
4. possible numbness.
CAUTION! Inappropriate shoes (such as tight shoes or high heels) are most likely to cause symptoms.
①Why are women more likely to have symptoms than men?
② Prolonged standing or walking can aggravate bunions.
How should the diagnosis be made?
The diagnosis of a bunion or bunion is not difficult with a protrusion on the bottom or inner surface of the bunion. X-rays can be used clinically to assess the changes in the foot and the degree of deformity. Bunions are progressive and get worse over time, with some progressing quickly and others slowly. Once diagnosed, an appropriate treatment plan needs to be developed.
How is treatment performed?
I. Non-surgical treatment
Observation: To reduce joint damage, it is necessary to evaluate and take x-rays regularly with the help of a doctor.
Conservative treatment: To relieve the pain of bunion, but not to change the foot deformity itself. It includes.
(1) choosing wide shoes that can accommodate the bunion. High heels with a pointed toe can aggravate the condition and are not worn.
(2) Custom insoles: Custom insoles and spacers placed over the prominence of the bunion can reduce the pain.
(3) Modification of activities: Avoid activities that can cause pain like standing for long periods of time.
(4) Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can reduce pain and inflammation.
(5) Ice: Ice packs several times a day can help reduce inflammation and pain.
(6) Injection therapy: Using less,glucocorticoid injections can treat the inflammatory capsule (the peri-articular area filled with capsule fluid).
(7) Foot orthotic devices. Under the doctor, custom-made orthopedic devices, such as insoles, shoes, etc.
Second, when do I need surgical treatment?
If non-surgical treatment does not relieve the swelling and pain, and when the bunion pain interferes with daily activities, surgery should be considered as a possibility.
There are several surgical options for bunions. The bone “mass” is removed and the deformity of the bone structure and soft tissue of the foot is corrected. The goal of surgery is to reduce pain.
When choosing a surgical procedure, surgeons consider the patient’s foot x-ray, age, and activity level. The length of the recovery period varies, depending on the individual patient and the surgical approach.