What is Making Your Bunion Pain Worse?

Dr. Brian Nagy | April 14th, 2017

Posted In: Bunions

Foot pain can be debilitating. It can have an impact on almost every aspect of your life. Bunions are one of the most common causes of pain in the feet. Knowing what causes bunion pain is the first step in forming an effective treatment plan. With proper treatment, most types of bunion pain can be effectively managed allowing you to live a more normal, active life, without constant discomfort while walking. In severe cases, surgery may be the best option for maximum pain relief.

Genetic Factors

Although the exact cause of bunions is unknown, some doctors have found that inherited foot types and the increased risk of certain types of joint conditions may make you more prone to bunions.

Abnormalities in the structure of the foot are the most common cause of bunions. Individuals who have a family history of various types of arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis are also more prone to developing bunions as they age.

The structure of the foot may continue to change as a person ages and their arthritis begins to progress. This can increase the severity of the bunions and have a dramatic impact on the pain and suffering they cause.

Shoes That Fit Poorly

Shoes that do not fit properly can force the bones out of their natural position. When shoes are too small, the toes are crowded, shoving the bones backward into the foot. If the shoes are too loose, the foot can slide causing injury to both the toes and the heel.

Wearing high heels can also cause damage to the structure of the foot. If  your feet have a slightly different shape or structure, regular shoes may be extremely uncomfortable.

Custom-made shoes and orthotics can improve the fit, allowing the patient to walk properly without an increase in discomfort or pain. Orthotics are extremely effective at re-molding the interior of the shoe so that the foot rests comfortably and is still able to perform the actions associated with walking.

Various Foot and Back Injuries

Foot and back injuries can put excessive amounts of pressure on various areas of the feet. Injuries that affect your gait can put pressure on the arches of the feet, as well as the balls of the feet and the heels. The more you attempt to walk with the injury, the more your bunion pain will increase.

It’s imperative that the foot and back injuries be adequately addressed so that balance is restored to the body. As balance returns, your gait will return, decreasing the amount of pressure placed on the feet.

When Should A Visit to the Foot Doctor Be Scheduled?

A visit to the doctor is called for when the pain becomes increasingly severe or persistent. Because it’s also important to maintain movement in the joints of the toes and feet, large bumps or bony protrusions should also be examined by a podiatrist to determine what may be causing them.

Having a bunion anywhere on the foot can make it extremely difficult to find shoes that fit properly. Contacting a New Hampshire podiatrist at Nagy Footcare to have a thorough evaluation will allow you to begin treatment for the bunion as well as aid in the process of finding shoes that fit comfortably. The longer you wait to see a podiatrist, the more harm can be done to the structure of the foot.

 

Bunion pain can be effectively treated. Understanding what is behind the pain and what steps can be taken to correct the problem will help the podiatrist develop an effective treatment plan that will allow you to regain control of your life.

There are numerous treatment options that can be used to control the pain and make it possible for you to resume more strenuous forms of activity without fear of aggravating the bunions or causing injury to you feet.

At Nagy Footcare, our best day is the day you wake up with no foot pain.