{"id":5403,"date":"2019-04-18T05:58:08","date_gmt":"2019-04-18T05:58:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=5403"},"modified":"2021-11-10T14:31:25","modified_gmt":"2021-11-10T14:31:25","slug":"14-common-symptoms-of-bunion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-common-symptoms-of-bunion\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Symptoms of Bunion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Bunions appear on the inside of the big toe and take on the appearance of a bony bump. In some cases, a bunion may have the physical characteristics of a callous, with hard skin developing over the bump. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bunions take years to form, and they\u2019re the result of the buildup of fluid deposits in the bones that lead to inflammation of tissues in the big toe. If left untreated, bunions can lead to the development of arthritis, as the bones start to separate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bunions create pain and inflammation on the bottom of the big toe joint, or the side, with rare cases reported of bunions growing on the top of the joint. Regardless of their placement, bunions create a significant amount of foot pain when walking or flexing the big toe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with bunions should seek medical treatment for their condition. Here are eight symptoms of bunions, and how to source the right treatment.
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1. Inflammation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the first symptoms recognized by people affected by bunions \u2013 is an increase in swelling around the joint of the big toe. The initial signs of inflammation rarely present any pain to the foot or toe. However, if left undiagnosed and untreated, the growth of the bunion will continue to progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, in the early stages of the condition, patients may not realize they have a bunion developing, and may choose to forgo treatment out of the mistaken impression that the inflammation <\/a>and swelling of the joint will eventually dissipate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the bunion increases in size, the inflammation of the toe joint starts to take on a red color. The person may notice that the skin begins to change in its appearance and texture, taking on the characteristics of a callous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catching your bunion in the early stages of its growth gives you more options for treatment to prevent the further advancement of the condition. If you notice any signs of inflammation in your big toe joint, arrange a consultation with your podiatrist for an assessment of your situation.
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2. Toe Abnormalities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bunions <\/a>affect the structural integrity of your toes, particularly the big toe. As the bunion grows, it starts to place pressure on the joints and ligaments in your toes, forcing them apart. In some cases, large bunions can separate the toes from the fascia, resulting in the development of a painful condition known as \u201cplantar fasciitis.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the more common signs of advanced bunion growth is that the big toe starts to change its natural resting position. The big toe slowly begins to shift and creep over or under the other toes. This occurrence makes it challenging to put on shoes, as the affected individual starts to lose control of their toe’s range of motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left undiagnosed and untreated, the loss of mobility may become permanent, affecting the balance of the individual when standing or running. If you notice your big toe turning toward your other toes, it’s best to book an appointment with your podiatrist to see what treatment solutions are available to you.
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3. Thickening Skin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are suffering from bunions start to notice a thickening of the skin around the big toe as the condition advances. Over time, the skin begins to take on the appearance of a callous, similar to what you would get on your hands from working with barbells or dumbbells at the gym.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This callous <\/a>occurs due to the bunion reducing circulation to the area of the toe that\u2019s affected. When blood flow drops, the skin starts to experience abnormalities and begins to thicken. Some affected individuals may decide to shave down the callous or seek removal through surgical procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, as the bunion continues to grow, the callous will return even with surgery to remove it or conventional trimming techniques. Callouses may also develop on the second toe due to irritation from the big toe rubbing on the inside. Treat these callouses by removing them with a blade and moisturizing the skin around the affected area.
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4. Foot Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pain <\/a>symptoms differ in affected individuals, depending on the size of the growth and the extent of the inflammation in the toe joint. Bunions cause the unnatural separation of the bones of the big toe from the rest of the foot, resulting in pain sensations that come and go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, in some cases, bunions may produce complications that further pain symptoms. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia begins to tear away from the toes due to inflammation and stress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When this happens, the person may notice that they start to feel symptoms of heel pain as well. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis may become a permanent, chronic condition that causes the affected individual to lose mobility in the affected foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with large bunions may find it difficult to move their big toes. Flexing or shifting the toe with your fingers may result in sharp pains throughout the joint.
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5. Shoe Fitment Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The growth of a bunion distorts the shape of the foot, making the inside of the big toe joint swell. As the condition progresses, the bunion starts to create structural issues with the other bones <\/a>in the foot, forcing them apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This dysfunction makes it challenging to put on your shoes, as the bunion takes up more room in the toe-box, limiting the space available. People who are suffering from the effects of advanced bunions may find that they can no longer wear closed-toe shoes, and have to wear sandals to accommodate the swollen area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wearing sandals all day also pr4e3snts a slew of health problems for your plantar fascia, as well as the heel. Flat-soled shoes may be comfortable, but they lack support and comfort, causing your heel pad to wear thin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A thin heel pad increases the impact of foot-strike from walking exacerbating symptoms of heel pain and the swelling associated with bunions.
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6. Reduced Mobility of the Big Toe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bunions affect the mobility of the big toe as well. As the swelling and inflammation continue to advance, the bunion forces the toe over to face the other toes, resulting in a loss of balance and coordination of the feet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our big toe is responsible for helping us balance. When there\u2019s an aberration to the joint<\/a>, such as a bunion, we lose the ability to adjust our weight and balance on the affected side. As a result, the affected individual may find that they can no longer take part in sports and activities, such as running or football. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with large bunions may lose the mobility of their big toe entirely, with any movement causing sharp sensations of pain in the toe joint. Doctors may treat bunions through minimally invasive procedures, such as Tenex, to remove the scar tissue and provide relief to the affected joint. Individuals undergoing surgery to remove their bunion may require extensive physiotherapy to help them recover their mobility.
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7. A Large Lump on The Big Toe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most obvious sign of a bunion is the formation of a large bump on your big toe. Bunions start out exhibiting mild symptoms of swelling <\/a>followed by slight pain. At this stage of the condition, many affected individuals don\u2019t seek treatment, as they may think that they have merely sprained their toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when the pain symptoms and swelling continue to advance, the patient may only then realize that they have an underlying health issue that requires treatment. Some individuals choose to live with the pain and inflammation \u2013 doing nothing to remedy the situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s vital that you receive treatment for your bunion as soon as possible after noticing the initial signs of the condition. The sooner you accept treatment, the easier it will be to manage your symptoms and prevent the progression of the bunion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Podiatrists treat bunions using massage therapy to break up the inflamed tissue and halt the advancement of the condition.
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8. Risk Factors for Developing Bunions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are a set of risk factors that make some individuals predisposed to developing bunions. If other members of your family suffer from bunions, then there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll develop them as well. Women that wear high heels are also at risk of developing the condition. The tight toe boxes of high-heels and dress shoes force the toes together, leading to the onset of inflammation responsible for the development of the disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who are suffering from arthritis are also at high risk of developing bunions. Other neuromuscular disorders, such as Marfan\u2019s syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos may play a role as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overpronation of the foot, a condition where the arches roll inward when running, also may lead to the development of bunions on either foot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are strategies you can use to reduce your risk of developing bunions. Avoid high-heel shoes and shoes with pointy toes and tight toe-boxes. Visit your podiatrist <\/a>for treatment to fix fallen of high arches. The sooner you take action and treat your condition, the better your outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Corns and Callouses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bunions are incredibly painful, especially when they get to a large size. As the bunion grows, the affected individual may find that their foot starts to swell <\/a>in their shoes’ toe box. As a result, it may cause rubbing on the shoe’s upper and the bog or second toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initially, the affected individual might notice this irritation, and it only becomes apparent later when the bunion reaches an intolerable size. Patients with large bunions find that the excessive running and pressure on the toes while wearing shoes starts to cause corns’ growth and calluses on their toes and feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Corns and calluses are areas of hard skin, and they can cause pain if left unmanaged. Filing down the callous or corn using a specialized foot file can keep your skin in check and prevent the corn or callous from spreading. Use a good-quality moisturizer on your feet at night to keep the skin on your toes soft and supple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Ongoing Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bunions start small, but they grow quickly. During the initial stages of growth, the affected individual might not notice any discomfort<\/a>. However, as the conditions worsen and the bunion develops, the pain symptoms associated with the situation start to emerge. The affected individual might first notice a slight pain that comes and goes from time to time, especially after walking far distances or standing on your feet for extended periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the condition progresses, the person starts to notice that they have trouble applying pressure on the affected joint. Eventually, the bunion reaches a size where it severely impacts the toe joint’s mobility and the person’s ability to walk. At this stage, many patients require surgical intervention to remove the bunion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, unless the person resolves the underlying problem causing the disorder, the bunion is likely to grow back again. People with bunions often experience severe ongoing pain in the advanced stages of the disorder, and they may require painkillers and anti-inflammatories to help them manage the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Hammertoes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People dealing with the effect of bunions in their toe joints feel pain constantly as the bunion gains in size. When the bunion gets large, it places pressure on the other toes, causing them to curl and develop an abnormal bend in the toe’s middle joint. As a result of the stress, patients start to notice the occurrence of pain symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hammertoes <\/a>are a severe structural disorder of the toes, and it could take years of physical therapy to reverse the effects of the condition. Wearing shoes with tight-toe boxes or undersized shoes can also accelerate the occurrence of hammertoes in people with bunions. People with bunions need to wear shoes with accommodative toe boxes to prevent placing pressure on the toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sandal and flip-flops are a good choice for wearing around the house. If you’re a runner, then use shoes with large toe boxes that provide extra room. Bunions are a common injury in runners, and you’ll find that it gets harder for your to run long distances as the bunion grows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Bursitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People dealing with bunions also find they notice a slew of complications involving the foot and the toes. Bunions place pressure on the tor joints and the surrounding tissues and ligaments, causing inflammation. Depending on the size of the bunion, you could experience different levels of inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People dealing with large bunions notice severe inflammation in the joints of the big toe and second toe. These two toes are the most at risk of losing mobility as the bunion grows. Our joints have tiny, fluid-filled sacs that prevent the bone from rubbing together. These sacs, known as the “Bursa,” are critical for optimal joint health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 People dealing with bunions also notice that they experience the development of “Bursitis” in the latter stages of bunion growth. The inflammation that forms a bad bursitis case can add more pain to the affected toe joints. Doctors treat bursitis <\/a>with painkillers, anti-inflammatories, ice, and rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Metatarsalgia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People dealing with bunions mostly don’t worry about the condition when it’s a small size. When bunions are small, they don’t cause much pain or swelling in the joint. However, as they grow, they start to cause complications that limit the toe joints’ mobility and health. The toe joint connects to the ball of your foot and the plantar fascia<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the toes and the ball of your foot start to experience high levels of inflammation and ligament stress, it leads to the development of a condition known as “metatarsalgia.” The condition causes massive amounts of swelling, inflammation, and pain in the ball of your foot. It feels similar to the effects of plantar fasciitis, severely limiting your mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some individuals might find it hard to walk on a compromised foot. Metatarsalgia is a progressive condition. If left untreated and unmanaged, it results in a permanent loss of mobility in the toe joints and pain in the ball of the foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Arthritis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People dealing with bunions find they start to experience changes in the joint and mobility as the bunion grows. The bunion affects the normal growth of the toe joint and its mobility. As a result, the toe joints don’t operate as intended, and they stay to experience a malfunction. When bunions get large, they force the toes into compromising positions where the joint movement starts to erode the cartilage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cartilage is the material preventing your joints from causing pain when they touch. As the cartilage wears away, you’ll start to notice the onset of arthritis <\/a>in the joint. Without the right treatment and care, arthritis can ravage the joints in the big and second toe, causing extreme pain when walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who live with the effects of arthritis need to manage their conditions using painkillers and anti-inflammatories. In some individuals, the pain from the bunion and arthritis can leave them in need of crutches or a wheelchair to get around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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