Approximately 50% of women and up to 25% of men develop bunions on their feet at some stage. These swollen, bony protuberances are often painful and can impair foot motion. If not addressed, the condition can become debilitating. A Chattanooga podiatrist keeps patients active with safe, non-surgical solutions to effectively relieve bunion pain.
Bunions are abnormal enlargements of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. They form when disrupted foot mechanics subject the joint to excess pressure. The underlying cause may be genetic. However, in most cases bunions develop after years of wearing fashionable tight, pointy shoes.
A bunion is a red, swollen, bony lump at the side of the foot. It causes the big toe to deviate towards the other toes. The area around the bulge tends to be painful, tender, stiff or numb. A sac of fluid known as a bursa may form over the protuberance. Callouses or corns may also develop. Bunions pain is exacerbated by narrow or inflexible footwear.
Bunion patients are thoroughly assessed at the Chattanooga podiatry center. The doctor goes over their symptoms, observes their walking motion and examines their feet. He evaluates the stage of the bunion by measuring the angles of bones in the joint. Foot x-rays are used to uncover any additional disorders.
If bunions are identified in the early stages, conservative therapies can stop their progression. Toe spacers, splints and padding can be used to hold the foot in the correct position, reducing pressure on the joint. Custom made orthotics can make walking more comfortable. Ultrasound sessions help to alleviate foot pain and accelerate the healing process.
According to the Chattanooga podiatrist, the best way to prevent symptomatic bunions is to choose appropriate footwear. Shoe size should be based on precise foot measurement. Frequently worn shoes should have heels under two inches high and a toe box with wiggle room.
Bunions are abnormal enlargements of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. They form when disrupted foot mechanics subject the joint to excess pressure. The underlying cause may be genetic. However, in most cases bunions develop after years of wearing fashionable tight, pointy shoes.
A bunion is a red, swollen, bony lump at the side of the foot. It causes the big toe to deviate towards the other toes. The area around the bulge tends to be painful, tender, stiff or numb. A sac of fluid known as a bursa may form over the protuberance. Callouses or corns may also develop. Bunions pain is exacerbated by narrow or inflexible footwear.
Bunion patients are thoroughly assessed at the Chattanooga podiatry center. The doctor goes over their symptoms, observes their walking motion and examines their feet. He evaluates the stage of the bunion by measuring the angles of bones in the joint. Foot x-rays are used to uncover any additional disorders.
If bunions are identified in the early stages, conservative therapies can stop their progression. Toe spacers, splints and padding can be used to hold the foot in the correct position, reducing pressure on the joint. Custom made orthotics can make walking more comfortable. Ultrasound sessions help to alleviate foot pain and accelerate the healing process.
According to the Chattanooga podiatrist, the best way to prevent symptomatic bunions is to choose appropriate footwear. Shoe size should be based on precise foot measurement. Frequently worn shoes should have heels under two inches high and a toe box with wiggle room.
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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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