Myths and Misconceptions About Bunions

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the outer edge of your foot at the base of the big toe. It happens when some front part of your foot bones move out of place. The skin over the bunion may turn reddish and become sore. Bunions can affect anyone at any age, but they are more common in women. That is because most women wear tight shoes, which is a significant cause of a bunion.

However, in most cases, bunions do not require medication. If your bunion causes pain or affects your movement, you may consider seeing your Alamo Heights podiatrist for evaluation and treatment. People associate bunions with many myths and misconceptions, and here are some.

Surgery is the only way to treat a bunion

Although surgery is a treatment option for bunions, there are other options. Your doctor will recommend non-surgical treatments like medication and physical therapy in most cases. Surgery will be an option if other treatment techniques are not effective. Your specialist can also suggest surgery if your bunion is too big or the joint has degenerated severely.

Bunions are similar to gout

Bunions and gout are not similar. Gout is the build-up of uric acid, which affects the joints, especially the ones on your foot. Bunions and gout affect the same foot joint, but they are different conditions. Doctors misdiagnose these problems in many patients. Ensure your doctor carries out diagnostic tests to avoid incorrect treatment if you have these conditions.

Bunions are hereditary

Hereditary factors are not causes of bunions. Bunions are caused by a combination of internal and external pressure on the joint of your big toe leading to a bony protrusion. In some cases, you may have inherited some toe defects like flat feet, which predisposes you to develop bunions.

All bunions are painful

Not all bunions are painful. Bunions can be mild, moderate, or severe. The severity of your bunion depends on the extent of displacement of your big toe. Typically, the most painful bunions are the larger ones, which protrude and intrude in your shoe. Exerting more pressure on your bunion will also lead to extreme pain.

Bunion surgeries are painful

In the past years, bunion surgeries were painful due to the absence of numbing ingredients. Modern surgical techniques are available to ensure you currently experience little or no discomfort. These new techniques involve local anesthesia and aggressive pain management, making your bunion surgery less painful. Your doctor will prescribe pain relievers after surgery to enhance smoother recovery.

All bunions surgeries are similar

Since every bunion is different, the surgical procedures vary. Some people have a difficult recovery, while others are back in shoes two weeks after surgery. Surgery will depend on the extent of your bunion. Your podiatrist will determine the surgical procedure that fits you depending on your age, health, medical history, and activity level.

Wearing proper-fitting shoes is the best way to prevent bunions or keep an existing one from getting worse. If you have foot defects, custom-fitted orthotics can help prevent bunions. Schedule an appointment at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio for bunion treatment to resume your ordinary walking.