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.
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.
When patients with bunions visit the Chattanooga podiatry center, they are thoroughly assessed. The doctor examines their feet, reviews their symptoms and observes their foot mechanics. The angles between the bones are measured to evaluate the stage of the bunion and the foot is x-rayed to reveal any additional issues.
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, 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.
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.
When patients with bunions visit the Chattanooga podiatry center, they are thoroughly assessed. The doctor examines their feet, reviews their symptoms and observes their foot mechanics. The angles between the bones are measured to evaluate the stage of the bunion and the foot is x-rayed to reveal any additional issues.
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, 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.
About the Author:
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.
0 comments:
Post a Comment