Tips to Treat Bunion and avoid Surgery DR JK i
Important Legal Disclaimer Before beginning using any of our tips or our bunion relief products, consult your physician first to be sure it is appropriate for you. If you are unsure of any exercises use of the pads or tips are recommended, you should always consult your physician's advice. The author offers no warranty and accepts no responsibility for any loss or damages of any kind that may be incurred by the reader as a result of actions arising from the use of the contents in this guide. The reader assumes all responsibility for the use of the information in this guide. Contents 1 Introduction... 1 2 Main reasons for the formation of HALLUX VALGUS... 2 3 Signs and Symptoms... 4 4 Pathophysiology... 4 5 Treatment... 5 5.1 Orthotics... 5 5.2 Surgery... 5 6 Dr. JK Bunion Pain Relief Package... 6 6.1 General advices for using your bunion relief set... 6 6.2 Basic Care Tips... 6 6.3 When and how to use... 6 7 - Eight daily exercise to prevent surgery (Center., n.d.)... 12 8 Bibliography... 13 i
1 Introduction A hallux abductor valgus deformity, commonly called a bunion, is a deformity characterized by medial deviation of the first metatarsal and lateral deviation of the hallux (big toe), often erroneously described as an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the head of the big toe. There is disagreement among medical professionals about the cause of bunions; some see them as primarily caused by the long-term use of shoes, particularly tight-fitting shoes with pointed toes, while others believe that the problem stems from genetic factors that are exacerbated by shoe use.[2] Bunions occur when pressure is applied to the side of the big toe forcing it inwards towards, and sometimes under or over, the other toes (angulation). As pressure is applied, the tissues surrounding the joint may become swollen and tender. In a survey of people from cultures that do not wear shoes, no cases of bunions were found, lending credence to the hypothesis that bunions are caused by ill-fitting shoes. (Bunion, n.d.) 1
2 Main reasons for the formation of HALLUX VALGUS - Improper shoes High heels and shoes with narrow feet can cause bunion. Bunions are fifteen times less common in barefoot populations! It is highly recommended to use your toe separator in all shoes, especially the tight shoes. - Excessive exercise Exercises and especially running can intensify bunion. There will be a new shock to bunion with each new step. It is highly recommended to use your toe separator during your exercise.
- Walking unevenly It is very important to have the proper shoes when walking on uneven cross. - Age Bunion diversion increase with increasing age.
3 Signs and Symptoms The symptoms of bunions include irritated skin around the bunion, pain when walking, joint redness and pain, and possible shift of the big toe toward the other toes. Blisters may form more easily around the site of the bunion as well. Having bunions can also make it more difficult to find shoes that fit properly; bunions may force a person to have to buy a larger size shoe to accommodate the width the bunion creates. When bunion deformity becomes severe enough, the foot can hurt in different places even without the constriction of shoes because it then becomes a mechanical function problem of the forefoot. (Bunion, n.d.) 4 Pathophysiology Bunions are sometimes genetic and consist of certain tendons, ligaments, and supportive structures of the first metatarsal that are positioned differently. This bio-mechanical anomaly may be caused by a variety of conditions intrinsic to the structure of the foot such as flat feet, excessive flexibility of ligaments, abnormal bone structure, and certain neurological conditions. These factors are often considered genetic. Although some experts are convinced that poor-fitting footwear is the main cause of bunion formation, other sources concede that footwear only exacerbates the problem caused by the original genetic structure.
5 Treatment Bunions may be treated conservatively with changes in shoe gear, different orthotics (accommodative padding and shielding), rest, ice and medications. These sorts of treatments address symptoms more than they correct the actual deformity. Surgery, by an orthopedic surgeon or a podiatric surgeon, may be necessary if discomfort is severe enough or when correction of the deformity is desired. 5.1 Orthotics Orthotics are splints or regulators while conservative measures include various footwear like gelled toe spacers, bunion / toes separators, bunion regulators, bunion splints and bunion cushions. There are a variety of available orthotics (or orthoses) including over-the-counter or off-the-shelf commercial products and as necessary, custom-molded orthotics that are generally prescribed medical devices. 5.2 Surgery Procedures are designed and chosen to correct a variety of pathologies that may be associated with the bunion.
Traditional bunion surgery can be performed under local, spinal or general anesthetic. A patient can expect a 6- to 8-week recovery period during which crutches are usually required for aid in mobility. An orthopedic cast is much less common today as newer, more stable procedures and better forms of fixation (stabilizing the bone with screws and other hardware) are used. Hardware may even include absorbable pins that perform their function and are then broken down by the body over the course of months. (Bunion, n.d.) 6 Dr. JK Bunion Pain Relief Package This set is chosen from the best bunion treatment products. All the pieces are stretchable, adjustable and they should be comfortable to put them on your toes. Each piece has specific usage in your daily activities while you wear shoes or you are walking barefoot at home, same as sleeping time 6.1 General advices for using your bunion relief set All pieces of this package are made from high quality medical grade material. Just follow the instructions and wear them as shown in the pictures. You can use all the items as long as you don t see any allergic reaction or feeling cut off in your blood circulation. The items don t fit the same on all feet. You can use all the items for long and even during the sleep time as long as you feel comfortable. After wearing one of the items for few hours if you feel any high pressure, discomfort, or feeling blood circulation cut off due to using that item, don t wear it for long time without break and never use it for sleeping time. 6.2 Basic Care Tips It is recommended to spread a talcum powder on the gels before wearing it on your feet. Store away from direct sunlight and ensure they are not twisted. Use soap or shampoo with warm water to gently hand wash. Dry before wearing. 6.3 When and how to use Bunion Pain relief products are made to keep the normal spacing of the big toe. Different products can be applicable based on your activity. We will describe products here:
- One Loop Toe Separator This product is very stable on your feet. You can enjoy wearing it whenever you want to have a lot of activity and not being worried about losing your toe separator. It is perfect to wear with sandals, flip flops or barefoot. But please be aware, don t wear while sleeping or for a long time without break. It can cut of your blood circulation. The product in your package is not designed to wear on your big toe.
- Wide Foot Cushion This product can protect your foot and bunion. Wear it in socks. This is great to wear for hiking, running on treadmill and sport It will alleviate pain and pressure on all of your feet sides.
- Simple Toe Separator You cannot use this gel with barefoot, but if you are looking for a toe separator without any extra part and bunion guard which you can wear in all types of shoes oy even without shoes in your socks, this is the right one. You can use it everywhere, even during sleep. This is one of the most useful gels. Especially to wear at home or when you don t need the bunion guard.
- Two Loop Toe Separator This product is super stable on your feet. It is similar to part with one loop, but it doesn t rotate and also put less pressure on your toes, so triggers less blood circulation cut off. But be aware to not to wear it for a long time without break. It is perfect to wear everywhere, with/without socks. Great match to wear in slippers, college shoes, barefoot.
- One Loop Toe Separator with Bunion Guard This toe separator gel has a bunion guard, so it will be perfect when you have an irritated bunion and you have to wear tight shoes. It can absorb the shoe pressure and friction. This item is mainly designed to wear in shoes or situation that some external thing may irritate your bunion.
7 - Eight daily exercise to prevent surgery (Center., n.d.) Non-surgical strategies, such as physical therapy exercises, can help to slow the progression of your bunion. "You always want to start out with conservative therapy," notes Dr. Khan. "You never want to jump into surgery." Foot exercises and toe stretches for bunions can help keep the joint between your big toe and the rest of your foot mobile, maintaining flexibility and strengthening the muscles that control your big toe. Here are exercises that may benefit people with bunions: Toe stretches. Stretching out your toes can help keep them limber and offset foot pain. To stretch your toes, point your toes straight ahead for 5 seconds and then curl them under for 5 seconds. Repeat these stretches 10 times. These exercises can be especially beneficial if you also have hammertoes, or chronically bent toes, in addition to a bunion. Toe flexing and contracting. Khan also recommends pressing your toes against a hard surface such as a wall, to flex and stretch them; hold the position for 10 seconds and repeat three to four times. Then flex your toes in the opposite direction; hold the position for 10 seconds and repeat three to four times. Stretching your big toe. Using your fingers to gently pull your big toe over into proper alignment can be helpful as well, says Khan. Hold your toe in position for 10 seconds and repeat three to four times. Resistance exercises. Khan additionally recommends resistance exercises for your big toe. Wrap either a towel or belt around your big toe and use it to pull your big toe toward you while simultaneously pushing forward, against the towel, with your big toe. Ball roll. To massage the bottom of your foot, sit down, place a golf ball on the floor under your foot, and roll it around under your foot for two minutes. This can help relieve foot strain and cramping. Towel curls. You can strengthen your toes by spreading out a small towel on the floor, curling your toes around it, and pulling it toward you. Repeat five times. Khan says that gripping objects with your toes like this can help keep your foot flexible. Picking up marbles. Another gripping exercise you can perform to keep your foot flexible is picking up marbles with your toes. Do this by placing 20 marbles on the floor in front of you and use your foot to pick the marbles up one by one and place them in a bowl. Walking along the beach. Whenever possible, spend time walking on sand. This can give you a gentle foot massage and also help strengthen your toes. Khan notes that this is especially beneficial for people who have arthritis associated with their bunions. Khan advises his patients to perform foot exercises for their bunions every day, ideally in the morning and at night. He suggests doing the exercises at a convenient time for you, such as during commercial breaks while you are watching television. Once you get into the habit, it will be easy to do them on a regular basis.
8 Bibliography Bunion. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/bunion Center., F. H. (n.d.). Retrieved from every day health: http://www.everydayhealth.com/foot-health/8-footexercises-for-bunions.aspx