Sunday, May 19, 2013

Leading Podiatrist In Chattanooga Provides Bunion Solutions

By Jay Dy


About 50% of women and up to 25% of men suffer from bunions at some stage of life. This common foot problem produces painful, bony protuberances that can restrict movement. If not addressed, bunion symptoms may become so severe that walking is affected. A Chattanooga podiatrist helps keep patients active with safe, non-surgical therapies for effective relief of bunion pain.

A bunion is an enlargement of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. Bunions form after years of abnormal motion and excess pressure on the joint. They may have a genetic basis, but tend to develop after years of wearing fashionable footwear with pointed toes.

A bunion appears as a swollen, red, bony protuberance on the inside of the foot. It pushes the big toe inward towards the other toes. The affected area may feel tender, stiff, numb or painful. A fluid-filled called a bursa often forms over the bump. Callouses or corns may develop between the toes. Bunions pain tends to worsen when walking in inflexible or narrow shoes.

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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