ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES SERIES :38 BUNION

Kay Kay Healthcare Ltd.

SYMPTOMS


• An angular protrusion at the side of the foot behind the big toe, sometimes accompanied by hardened skin or a callus.

• Swelling redness, unusual tenderness, or pain at the base of the big toe and in the ball of the foot, especially if the area becomes shiny and cool to touch.

WHAT IS BUNION

A bunion is an unnatural bump or bend in the bone that forms the ball of the foot at the base of the big toe. The result is an unsightly swelling at the inside of the foot, sometime pushing the big toe inward so it overlaps one or more other toes. A similar condition on the little toe is called a bunionette. Because a bunion occurs at the joint where the toe bends in normal walking, your entire body weight rests on it at each step. While most bunion don’t affect normal walking, they can be extremely painful.

CAUSES

Foot problems typically develop in early adulthood, becoming more pronounced as the foot spread with the aging. In many people, bunions are hereditary and occur along with other problems associated with weak or poor foot structure, as well as with corns and callus, bone spurs, and bursitis. Bunion sometimes develop with arthritis and can be associated with other progressive deformation of bones in the foot. Bunions can also be brought by years of wearing tight, poorly fitting shoes especially high heeled, pointed shoes style more for fashion than for comfort and good support. As the bones gradually assumes an unnatural shape, pressure on the other bones of the foot can lead to bursitis.

DIAGNOSTIC AND TEST PROCEDURES

Most of the times bunion are so obvious from the pain and the unusual shape of the toe that further diagnosis is unnecessary. Even so, a doctor will usually take x-rays to determine the extent of the deformity and to see if orthopaedic shoes or surgery is needed.

TREATMENT

Reliving bunions discomfort generally consist of steps to reduce pain and inflammation, followed by measures to prevent recurrence.

CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE

Your doctor may recommend aspirin or another over the counter pain remedy, or may prescribe a specific medication to relieve the swelling and inflammation. A heating or warm foot bath may also help relieve the immediate pain and discomfort, as may an analgesic cream containing capsaicin, a chilli pepper extract. If your bunion isn’t persistently painful and you catch it early, wearing well made, well -fitting shoes may be all therapy you need. Most doctor doesn’t advise bunion pads, splints, or other shoe inserts, which can exert pressure elsewhere on the foot and aggravate foot problems. In some cases, an orthotic specialist can prescribe shoes with specially designed insoles and uppers that take pressure off affected joints and help the foot regain its proper shape. Most physicians are reluctant to recommend surgery for bunions, since many patients remain dissatisfied with the results. Done in hospital under local anaesthesia, a bunionectomy realigns the metatarsal bone behind the big toe by cutting the ligament at the joint. Wires may be temporarily inserted to keep the bones in line, and excess bone may be removed.

ALTERNATIVE CHOICES

Various therapies for reducing pain and inflammation can be used effectively on bunions.

BODY WORK

In certain cases, especially if bone degeneration is not advanced, Rolfing and Reiki techniques have been reported to alleviate the discomfort.

CHIROPRACTIC

Professional manipulation can help change the poisoning of deformed bones. Practitioners can also help lessen the pain of bunions by having patients alter the way they walk.

HOMEOPATHY

Following an analysis of your overall situation, a homeopath can prescribe remedies that may relieve the pain of a bunion and may stabilize bone degeneration.

AT HOME REMEDIES

 When a bunion causes sore feet, a hot compress or a good soak in warm water will ease the pain.

 Sacrifice a pair of old but comfortable shoes: cut away the leather or fabric upper not the sole to take pressure off a bunion.

PREVENTION

Because bunions develops slowly, taking precautions as your feet grow in childhood and early adulthood can pay off later in life. Closely monitor the shape of your feet as they develop, especially if foot problems run in your family. Exercising your feet can strengthen them, particularly if you learn to pick up small objects with your toes. Wear shoes that fit properly and that do not cramp or pinch your toes. Women should avoid shoes with high heels or pointed toes.