Have the joints on one or both of your big toes started turning outward? Are they swollen and painful to walk on? It could be you’ve developed bunions, which should be seen by a doctor. Dr. Gary M. Kazmer provides services to residents in need of a podiatrist in Chicago, IL as well as the surrounding region. The physicians employed out of his Kazmer Foot & Ankle Centers can help you find relief from your bunions.

Common Causes of Bunions

Bunions form on the joint at the bottom of the big toe when the bone inside of it starts turning outward. The force pushes the big toe inwards towards the other toes of your foot. Any frequently worn uncomfortable footwear, particularly narrow shoes with pointed toes, can cause bunions to form.

You can also develop bunions if there’s a history of them in your family. Having flat feet with low arches also puts you at a higher risk. Pregnant women can develop bunions if their feet weaken due to hormonal changes. People who spend all day on their feet, like nurses or waitresses, are also prone to this issue.

Why You Shouldn’t Learn to Live with Them

People make the mistake of thinking they can tough out the discomfort. Here are three reasons why you shouldn’t just ignore the worsening condition of your bunions.

1. You Could Cause Permanent Damage to Your Ligaments

Bunions impact critical ligaments and tendons required for proper foot function. They sustain more and more damage the longer your bunion continues pressing on them unnaturally. You can get to a point where you can’t take one step without being in agonizing pain. The effect of the pain and discomfort eventually lowers your overall quality of life.

2. You Could Damage Your Foot Structure

The pressure of your bunion on your big toe can cause your middle toe to bend up into an unnatural position. It could remain in that position permanently, forming a hammertoe. There’s no way to reverse this condition once it develops.

Other Issues Bunions Cause

• Ingrown toenails
• Calluses on the bottom of your feet
• Pain in the balls of your feet
• Bursitis

The longer you leave your bunions untreated, the more impairment you cause to your foot.

3. You Could End Up With Osteoarthritis

Bunions can increase your chances of developing osteoarthritis in your feet. You’ll see a loss of movement in the joint. Your condition can progress to the point where you develop hallux rigidus, leaving you incapable of moving the joint at all.

Common Treatments for Bunions

The earlier you deal with the problem, the better your chances are of finding a successful treatment plan that doesn’t involve surgery. Your doctor will most likely recommend some lifestyle changes to accommodate your condition and keep it from getting worse.

• Wearing comfortable shoes with no heels and enough space for your toes
• Placing pads or cushions in your shoes to prevent pressure on the joint
• Taking OTC medication for pain relief
• Icing the area when it becomes too painful

Your doctor may recommend cortisone if you’re still dealing with a lot of pain. The shot’s only considered when other methods provide you with little or no relief. They may also go over surgical options with you and go over your chances of coming out of it with a moderate level of improvement.

Some surgery options, like an outpatient bunionectomy, allow you to recover within a month or two, while others can result in a year of recovery. Don’t undertake any procedure lightly or only to improve the look of your foot. No surgery will allow you to resume wearing uncomfortable footwear.

Get the Best Podiatry Treatment Available

Book an appointment today Kazmer Foot & Ankle Centers. You can receive treatment for podiatry in Chicago, IL, or from our Barrington or Elgin offices.