Bunions

Bunions, What are they?

Bunions are those unsightly enlargements or bumps that occur on the inside areas of your feet. A bunion deformity can cause a wide range of problems for the patient and consequently can involve a varied approach to treatment. An important point to consider in the understanding of this problem is that it is a progressive deformity. In other words, a bunion will in most cases worsen with time. No one can predict how fast the deformity will progress or to what extent it will cause debility or symptoms but most authorities would agree that sooner or later, it will worsen. Bunions, by nature, can cause pain in certain shoes, become a common site for arthritic changes, lead to secondary compensatory problems such as hammertoes or pain in the fat pad area, or they may cause serious aesthetic or shoe wear concerns for certain individuals. Whatever the extent of involvement, a bunion deformity should warrant consideration by the patient and some level of professional evaluation by a foot specialist.

Bunions, What causes them?
The possible causes of a bunion deformity are numerous and can only be numerically reduced pending a thorough examination by the specialist. Hereditary tendencies for bunions to occur in members of the same family rank high as a potential cause. Another frequent culprit is that of our manner of walking. In short, the particular mechanics of one’s walking style could be such that abnormal forces, pressures, and anatomical changes could result in a bunion deformity. Various arthritic conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout can also lead to deformities of the first metatarsal joint and a bunion. An important fact to keep in mind is that generally speaking, shoes can aggravate an existing bunion deformity but will not initially cause one to occur.

Bunions, How do you treat them?
The treatment options for bunion deformities include a wide range of therapeutic approaches. An early approach might include shoe modifications, paddings,
physical therapy, and occasional injection care for the existing symptoms. Functional orthotics or foot supportive devices can, in many cases, reduce the involved abnormal forces. In short, this means that the orthotics might prevent the bunion from worsening and may even reduce any existing discomfort. Surgical correction of the involved deformity is still another viable option and should be discussed thoroughly with Dr. Levitan. The bottom line is that a bunion deformity is not a condition to ignore or neglect. A good clinical evaluation is a primary and highly recommended first line defense in the management of this condition.

Definition of High Arched Feet

A high arched foot is one where there is a marked elevation of the longitudinal arch both on and off weight bearing. This type of foot by itself is usually not a problem but tends to cause other difficulties, which frequently require treatment. For instance, the high arched foot creates excessive pressure on the ball of the foot and frequently produces thick and uncomfortable calluses. Hammertoes are also common with this foot type, which may cause problems with certain shoes. In addition, the high arched foot is notoriously known as a poor shock absorber, frequently resulting in discomfort in the heel and arch areas.

Causes of High Arched Feet

The three main causes of high arched feet include congenital development (at birth), trauma or injury (involving nerve damage), and certain neurological conditions. It is important to thoroughly evaluate a high arched foot in order to determine its probably cause. The type of therapy selected will then have a much better chance for success. In the absence of symptoms or progressive soft tissue changes, clinical treatment may be unwarranted.

Treatment of High Arched Feet

The treatment of the high arched foot is directed at supporting the elevated mid section of the foot, providing shock absorptive benefits to those areas in need, and improving the functional mechanics of the foot and ankle. Orthotics prescribed by a foot specialist are the most effective means of accomplishing these objectives. The high arched foot usually responds well in relatively short period of time to the use of orthotic supportive devices. In certain rare case where the condition is excessive and defies therapeutic control, surgery might become a consideration.