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 a bunion is identified early, its progression can be stopped by applying conservative therapies. Padding, splints or toe spacers relieve pressure on the joint and restore the big toe's normal alignment. Custom orthotics reduce discomfort when walking. Ultrasound sessions relieve pain and inflammation and promote healing of soft tissues.
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.
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 a bunion is identified early, its progression can be stopped by applying conservative therapies. Padding, splints or toe spacers relieve pressure on the joint and restore the big toe's normal alignment. Custom orthotics reduce discomfort when walking. Ultrasound sessions relieve pain and inflammation and promote healing of soft tissues.
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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