Bunions

Bunions are often caused by incorrect foot mechanics. A person may be born with the inherent tendency to develop bunions. If the persons parents or grandparents have bunions, there can be a genetic tendency to develop this deformity over time. Another common cause of this deformity is the use of high-heeled shoes or improperly fit shoes.

To determine the stage of development, and the most appropriate treatment, your doctor may take x-rays of your foot. The findings that are discovered on these x-rays will help determine not only the best treatment, it will also assist your doctor in determining if surgery will be required, and the type of surgery that could be performed in order to bring about the most successful result.

If your bunion is non-painful or in an early stage of development, the use of well fit shoes and the use of a custom made shoe insert can be significantly beneficial. This can help realign the joints of the foot and hopefully stop the progression of the deformity.

Other treatments such as protective pads, shoe modifications, or splints can also be advantageous to the treatment of this deformity.

As mentioned earlier, surgery may also be required to eliminate painful symptoms of this condition. It should be noted, that the more enlarged the bunion becomes, the more involved the surgery and longer recovery time is required.