Bunions are a common foot complaint, affecting up to 25% of men and around 50% of women at some stage of life. These bony protuberances can cause pain, swelling and impaired movement. If the disorder is not addressed, it can become severe enough to limit walking. A Chattanooga podiatrist helps bunion patients to stay active with safe and effective, non-surgical therapies.
A bunion is an enlargement of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. Bunions form after years of abnormal motion and excess pressure on the joint. They may have a genetic basis, but tend to develop after years of wearing fashionable footwear with pointed toes.
A bunions appears as a red, bony swelling on the inside of the foot. It typically pushes the big toe inward to bend towards the other toes. The area around the lump can be stiff, numb, tender or painful. The protuberance may be covered by a sac of fluid called a bursa. Corns or callouses may develop. Bunion pain is exacerbated by tight footwear.
At the Chattanooga podiatry center, bunion patients receive a thorough evaluation. The doctor discusses their symptoms, examines their feet and observes their walking motion. He measures angles between the joint bones to assess the stage of the bunion. He then consults x-rays of the foot to check for any other disorders.
If identified in the early stages, a bunion's progression can be stopped with conservative therapies. Splints, toe spacers and padding restore the correct toe alignment. Walking comfort is increased with orthotic shoe inserts. Ultrasound sessions reduce bunion pain and accelerate soft tissue regeneration.
According to the Chattanooga podiatrist, symptomatic bunions can typically be prevented simply by choosing the right footwear. Feet should be measured to ensure that footwear is the right size. Shoes worn on a daily basis should be wide enough to allow toes to wiggle and have heels no higher than two inches.
A bunion is an enlargement of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. Bunions form after years of abnormal motion and excess pressure on the joint. They may have a genetic basis, but tend to develop after years of wearing fashionable footwear with pointed toes.
A bunions appears as a red, bony swelling on the inside of the foot. It typically pushes the big toe inward to bend towards the other toes. The area around the lump can be stiff, numb, tender or painful. The protuberance may be covered by a sac of fluid called a bursa. Corns or callouses may develop. Bunion pain is exacerbated by tight footwear.
At the Chattanooga podiatry center, bunion patients receive a thorough evaluation. The doctor discusses their symptoms, examines their feet and observes their walking motion. He measures angles between the joint bones to assess the stage of the bunion. He then consults x-rays of the foot to check for any other disorders.
If identified in the early stages, a bunion's progression can be stopped with conservative therapies. Splints, toe spacers and padding restore the correct toe alignment. Walking comfort is increased with orthotic shoe inserts. Ultrasound sessions reduce bunion pain and accelerate soft tissue regeneration.
According to the Chattanooga podiatrist, symptomatic bunions can typically be prevented simply by choosing the right footwear. Feet should be measured to ensure that footwear is the right size. Shoes worn on a daily basis should be wide enough to allow toes to wiggle and have heels no higher than two inches.
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Find a summary of the benefits of consulting a podiatric physician and more information about an experienced Chattanooga podiatrist at http://www.rebyfootcare.com now.
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