When I was in high school, I always complained about the pain I felt on my foot. When I removed my sock, I noticed a part on my toe that had a bump. I told my mom about it, and she booked an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist in Singapore.
The doctor said that my condition is called a bunion. After months of treatment, my bunion healed. These are the things that I learned:
WHAT IS A BUNION?
A bunion is common in Singapore. It is a deformity initiated by swelling that causes a bump seen beside your toe. The big toe diverges from its position going to the second toe. It is painful if not treated early. Bunions can be a symptom of a bone disorder that is already progressing.
When I asked my doctor if the bunion will go away without any treatments, she said that it does not. It would require treatment no matter what the condition is.
BUNION CAUSES
There are many bunion causes in Singapore, but wearing heels is not one of them. This myth has been debunked many times, but I admit that I believed it at first. That myth was the reason why I do not wear heels at all. High heels or any pointed shoes can stimulate an existing bunion, however.
These are some of the causes of bunions:
· Arthritis – the usual type of arthritis that can cause a bunion is rheumatoid arthritis.
· Unsuitable footwear – that can cause foot injuries regardless of how big or small the injury can be
· Genetic heredity – bunion might be within your family’s genes for generations. Sometimes, it can be about the feet’s development before birth.
· Trauma – any movements that may cause the toe bone to move more frequently
A foot and ankle specialist usually see these cases through genetic heredity, so seeing family generations having bunions is not one of them. My bunion came from unsuitable footwear because I have a hard time letting go of my shoes and sometimes wear them.
BUNION SYMPTOMS
When I first noticed the bump on my foot, it did not give any impression that I should treat it with anything. However, my mind changed when I started feeling some pain with or without footwear. It was hard to walk around, and I couldn't move properly.
Aside from pain, here are other symptoms of a bunion that will help you know if you have bunions:
· Redness around the joint contracture
· Swelling
· Pain on the affected toe
· Numbness
· Feeling of something burning
· Skin thickness around the affected area
· Corns and calluses
· Movement restriction
If you noticed anything on your foot listed above, you need to find a bunions treatment or visit a doctor to check it. But if you can prevent it from worsening, even better.
BUNION COMPLICATIONS
A bunion can also be a reason for another condition such as:
· Reduced flexibility in the toes
· Metatarsalgia – swelling on the foot’s ball
· Bursitis – swelling of the pads that can stifle the bones and muscles
· Hammertoe – the joint bends and can lead to pressure and bring pain
Another condition I had because of a bunion was the difficulty of moving and walking around my house. It was so painful that it decreased my ability to do my work.
BUNION TREATMENTS
When the foot and ankle specialist checked my condition through X-ray, she said that I could have bunions treatment without surgery. Just having the idea of myself being under surgery makes me nervous and anxious. I do not want to experience that because I saw it on TV, and it looks painful.
They made me wear an ergonomic shoe for months. Though it was painful and uncomfortable at first, it was all worth it. The pain slowly disappeared together with the bump on my toe.
Bunion surgery in Singapore is what the doctor recommends if the person’s condition is already severe. The podiatrist will check the situation further and do the following:
· Assess the joint functions
· Treatment to lessen the strain on the joints
· Custom foot orthotics that can realign the joint and reduce damage and pain
You can also do conservative treatments and preventions for bunions, such as:
· Change your shoes and choose one that has a wide area. You also need to get the correct shoe size
· Applying ice to the area
· Putting or using shoe inserts that can help you position your foot
· Medications like ibuprofen
· Remaining healthy and watching out your weight
· Wearing a splint that can help your toe hold straight
· Putting a protective pad on the toe reducing the pressure of the bunion
· Avoid wearing flip-flops that do not have arch support
After my bunion was gone, I always massage my foot by moving my toe around. I also roll my foot on a tennis ball sometimes. You can also try these things once you heal.
If you are experiencing bunions, it is time to have it checked. Visit East Coast Podiatry’s website and book an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist.
