Bunion Treatment in Elderly Loved Ones

elderly help, feet

Title- Bunion Treatment in Elderly Loved Ones

As someone suffering from bunions, I searched high and low for help with my problem. I Googled several bunion treatments and different ways to prevent bunions. I even consulted several specialists to help with my bunions. From this, I can write all the tips I will list below. I did this to help my fellowmen suffering from bunions.  

 

Contents

Bunion Treatment in Elderly Loved Ones

 

Before discussing bunion treatment methods, knowing what bunions are is essential. Knowing what bunions are will help you know if you have one too.
 
 

Definition of Bunions

 

According to MayoClinic.org, here is the definition of a Bunion. A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It occurs when some of the bones in the front part of your foot move out of place. This causes the tip of your big toe to get pulled toward the smaller toes and forces the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out. The skin over the bunion might be red and sore.

 

I’ll attach what bunions look like below so you’ll know if you have one.

 

feet, gout, pain

 

 
If you’re still reading by now, you likely also have bunions like me. Or someone you love is suffering from bunions. If not, curiosity got the better of you. Well regardless of your reason, let’s now talk about how you got bunions in the first place.

 

Causes of Bunions

There are several causes of bunions and knowing this might help you deal with them. For example, in my case, both of my parents had bunions so when I had them too it made me accept it easier.

 

If you want to learn more about other foot problems you might have, check this article out. This article provides all the common foot problems in the elderly, so it’s definitely a great read.
 

1. Genes

One of the most common causes of bunions is your genetics. Some people have a family history of having feet predisposed to bunions – like flatfeet. As someone who inherited having bunions from my parents, it’s easier to come to terms with having such. The reason is that both my parents have them so I’ll most likely have them too. Sadly, I was right in my assumption.
 

2. Choice of Footwear

You can get bunions when you wear heels, or any type of shoes that are narrow on your feet area, especially your toes. Here is a sample of shoes that you SHOULDN’T wear. The reason is that they force your feet to an unnatural shape it’s not meant to have. Not only do high heels or narrow shoes cause bunions, but it also leads to other feet issues too. Other foot problems attributed to narrow footwear are hammertoes, arthritis, and foot pain.
 
 
bunion treatment avoid heels
 
 
 
So what solution do we have to prevent such from occurring? Studies have shown, that wearing wider shoes is more beneficial to foot health. If you’re familiar with Crocs, those are the type of shoes you should look for when buying footwear. A guide in buying shoes is that it should be wide and provide comfort over aesthetics. 
 

 
bunion treatment avoid narrow shoes
 
 

3. Foot Stress

Excessive stress on your feet may cause bunions. The reason for this is due to the pressure on the foot or joint structures. There are several activities that tend to increase the risk of bunions. Some of these activities include dancing especially ballet. Or any activity which provides extra pressure on your toes.

Different Ways of Preventing Bunions

 

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. If you don’t have bunions, it must stay that way. Here are some tips for preventing bunions that you should know by heart.

1. Choose the Appropriate Footwear

 
Wearing the appropriate footwear is essential in preventing bunions. In some cases, bunions form due to wearing the wrong shoe size or tight shoes. That’s why itchoosing the appropriate footwear is crucialo help prevent bunions. Below are some tips I learned from finding my perfect pair of shoes.

More on this below.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight

To prevent bunions, it’s also important to maintain a healthy weight. When a person is heavier, our feet get more pressure in handling our weight. 

3. Stretch and Exercise your Feet

Like any part of the body, we should exercise our feet to make them strong and healthy. Here are some of the stretches you can try to exercise your feet.

 

Exercise your big toe by pulling it away and holding it briefly. What this does is help align your toes.

 

Another amazing stretch is by placing your toes on a wall and flexing them. Hold this position for ten seconds and then repeat it three times. What this does is stretch out your toes to relieve stress.

 

Curling your toes is also an excellent exercise for your feet. If you’re at home relaxing, you can still exercise your feet by doing this. I usually curl and uncurl my toes as a habit when I’m watching TV, so my toes also receive great exercise.
 
 

4. Consult a Professional Early On

Consult a professional if you have a family history of foot problems like bunions. Regular consultation with a podiatrist is essential in preventing bunions. This is because a professional can help identify any early signs or risk factors. 

Tips for Looking for Footwear

 

What to Avoid

 

Narrow Shoes

 

Narrow shoes place your feet in a weird position it’s not meant to be in. So better avoid that.
 
 
A great example of the effects of wearing extremely narrow shoes is the practice of foot binding before in China. Foot binding was the practice of binding one’s feet so that they don’t grow. The perfect size to maintain was three inches! The belief was that people who had smaller feet were more likely to get better marriage offers. The effect on these women who bind their feet was great. They were unable to walk properly, sit, squat, normal things that they could do if they did not bind their feet. Luckily, this is no longer practiced. 
 

Wearing High Heels

 
Heels with a narrow toe box also contribute to putting pressure on your toe area. Wearing heels for long periods of time may also shape your feet to fit the shape of your shoes. But that doesn’t mean you can’t wear high heels. Platform shoes are some of the better options to lessen pressure on your toe area. 
 

Tight Shoes

 
Tight shoes also place your shoes in an abnormal position, which causes foot problems. Also, it’s uncomfortable to wear too! 
 

Shoes With Poor Arch Support

 
Shoes with poor arch support may lead to overpronation. Overpronation is when the arch of the foot collapses excessively downward or inward. Investing in the right pair of shoes is essential in helping prevent bunions so don’t be afraid to splurge. 
 

Shoes With Tight Straps

 
Shoes with tight straps in the toe area may cause irritation or discomfort.
 
Seams or Stitching Over the Toe Area

 

Try avoiding stitching in your toe area to avoid any irritation or friction. As much as possible, your toe area should always be free from anything that might irritate you. 

 

What to Look For

 

A Wider Toe Box

Shoes with a wider toe box provide your feet with the right amount of space for your feet.
 
 

The Perfect Fit

 
 
Like in Cinderella, shoes should fit your feet perfectly. Too much space in your shoes may also lead to poor arch support and arch collapse.

Low Heels or No Heels at All

 
As mentioned, avoid wearing high heels since it gives more pressure on your toes. If you love wearing heels opt for a wider heel instead.
 

A Shoe That Has Arch Support

 

Arch support is an essential component when choosing the right shoe.
 

Great Cushion Support

Shoes with great cushion support prevent unnecessary stress on your feet. People who work in jobs that required long hours of standing should also note this tip. 

Flexible Materials

 
Flexible materials are important also since it doesn’t strain your shoes. 
 
 
Shoes With Adjustable Straps
 
Adjustable straps provide a more customized fit if you can’t afford orthopedic shoes. This will help you adjust the fit of your shoes to better suit your needs. 

Quality and Durable Shoes

 
Last, invest in quality and durable shoes. Although it might cost more, it will last you for a very long time. 

 

Tips for Bunion Treatment

 

Studies show that 1 out of 3 Americans have bunions. Although not fatal, they are sometimes a pain to deal with. That’s why it’s important to know how bunion treatment deals with the discomfort.
 

1. Wear the Appropriate Shoes

Wearing the appropriate type of shoes is important in preventing and in bunion treatment. That’s why it’s important to follow the tips above when choosing shoes.
 

2. Apply an Ice Pack

When your bunions are hurting, try applying an ice pack to lessen the pain. This is a quick fix for slight pain and is not a substitute for getting help from a professional.
 

3. Take Over the Counter Medicine

If the discomfort is worse than usual, take over-the-counter medicine like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.

Bunion Treatment – Consult a Professional

If you want to choose the perfect shoe for you, consult a professional. A professional can provide the perfect shoe for all your needs. It might be expensive initially, but it will prevent you from buying more shoes. Consulting a professional is also needed if the pain is debilitating, In rare cases, a professional is needed when bunions prevent you from doing normal activities. Surgery might be needed in extremely rare cases, but that’s only for the extreme cases of bunions. If you practice good feet care and maintain a healthy body, you will greatly reduce the chances of such.

 

 

Last Few Words from the Author

If you’re reading this part, hopefully, you finished reading the whole article and gained important knowledge. I included all the tips I learned from having bunions to provide a comprehensive guide. I know living with bunions might be difficult at times. You can’t wear certain types of shoes. Your toes might hurt sometimes, and you might feel insecure about your feet’ appearance. All of these are good thoughts and feelings. But always remember that your feet shouldn’t define how you live your life. Don’t care what other people think and live your life to the fullest.
 
 

FAQs in Bunion Treatment and Preventing Bunions

Are bunions fatal?

No, bunions by themselves are not fatal so no need to worry. Bunions are a common foot problem that affects the big toe joint.
Although they might cause some pain and discomfort (Yikes!) they are not life-threatening.

How do people get bunions?

Generally, people get bunions due to genetics, footwear, and foot stress. People who have a family history of bunions are more likely to get them. Your choice of footwear also contributes to getting bunions. Wearing shoes with a narrow toe box can cause extreme stress on your toes. While certain activities cause foot stress that may lead to bunions.

Can I cure my bunions?

You can’t reverse or cure bunions. Once you have them, it will likely grow over time. But thankfully, most bunions don’t need surgery. There are certain shoes and medicine that you can take to help with the pain.

How do I prevent bunions?

There are several ways in preventing bunions and they are: 

  • Wearing the appropriate footwear
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Consulting a professional
Can I still have a normal life with my bunions?

Absolutely! There are millions of people with bunions all over the world who have amazing lives. Amy Adams, Amal Clooney, Katie Holmes, and Oprah Winfrey are just some of the few people who have bunions.

 
Join a Caring Community for Elderly People

If you want to join a community centered on helping elderly loved ones, then please check out our other social media platforms for a wealth of valuable resources, support, and meaningful connections. We understand the importance of fostering a caring environment where we can come together to share experiences, seek advice, and assist those who have dedicated their lives to caring for our elderly family members.

 

On our social media platforms, you’ll find a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about improving the lives of our elderly loved ones. Whether you’re a caregiver, a family member, or simply someone who wants to make a positive difference, our online community offers a safe and inclusive space where you can connect with others who share your goals and values.

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