About this topic
A bunion is a common problem that happens in the foot. A bunion happens when your big toe points towards the other toes. It causes a hard, boney bump near the outside of your big toe. This makes the joint unstable and can lead to pain, especially when wearing shoes and when walking. There is a bursa or a small, fluid-filled sac that is in this area. It acts as a cushion between your bone and tendon. The bursa over the bump can get swollen and hurt. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Follow your doctors advice about:
- Comfortable shoes. Change shoe types to one with a wide toe. The shoe should also have no heel or a very low heel.
- Wear shoes 1/2 inch longer than your longest toe.
- Inserts for your shoes. These are foot orthotics.
- Toe straighteners, splints, cushions, or pads
- Use padding over the painful part or tape your foot.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Prop your foot on pillows to help with swelling.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You doctor may have you go see a specialist. You may need to see a foot doctor called a podiatrist. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
The doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest your foot for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. If you run, work out, or play sports, you may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚
What problems could happen?
- More deformity in the foot
- Trouble walking
- Problems with balance
- Need for surgery
- Stiffness
- Ongoing pain
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Avoid wearing high heels and tight shoes.
- Avoid activities that cause foot pain, such as standing for long periods of time.
- Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight may put extra stress on your feet.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Pain or swelling gets worse
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
Seek treatment early when the first signs of a bunion show up. Earlier treatment leads to better outcomes. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain or swelling.
Where can I learn more?
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons ‚
http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/bunions.htm ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bunion/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚