Beaver Valley Foot Clinic  

People depend on their feet to carry them effortlessly throughout the day to complete tasks and get from here to there. Foot problems, such as bunions, can cause chronic pain that makes movement difficult. If you have bunions, Beaver Valley Foot Clinic outside of Pittsburgh, PA can help to restore your foot health and teach you effective bunion prevention tips. 

What Are Bunions?
Bunions are hardened areas of skin that form at the base of the big toe on the inside edge of the foot. They can cause constant pain or intermittent pain, depending on the severity of the problem. Bunions form when people wear ill-fitting shoes over a period of time that constricts the natural shape of the foot. Women who wear high heels or pointed-toe shoes often develop bunions. In some people, bunions may run in the family and be caused by a hereditary weakness in the foot muscles. People with flat feet may be particularly susceptible to getting bunions. Bunions can cause the big toe to encroach on the other toes, causing a deformed appearance to the feet and further problems with foot health. 

Diagnosing Bunions
Generally, a specialist at the foot clinic will examine the foot visually. He or she may also ask questions about your lifestyle, the kind of work you do and the type of shoes you normally wear. He will also ask about the severity and frequency of discomfort you suffer. This information can help him determine if bunions is the source of the problem. If necessary, x-rays can help the physician determine if further problems with the bones of the feet are involved. 

Types of Treatment

· Pads or splits – Special padding around the bunion can help to prevent rubbing against the inside of shoes. Special splits that help to gently correct the misalignment of the big toe can also be helpful. These items can also help with further bunion prevention after treatment is complete. 

· Custom orthotics – Orthotics are special shoes or devices that help to encourage the foot to resume its normal shape. They must be worn for several months to affect a change in the contours of the foot. 

· Surgery – A bunionectomy may be necessary to remove the hardened areas of skin. Surgery may be combined with corrective treatment of the big toe or other toes to restore normal appearance and function. 

· Pain Relief – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxyn are used to relieve bunion pain and reduce inflammation. These drugs can be very effective in managing bunion pain when taken as directed. 

· Heat – Your foot clinic may recommend a heating pad or warm footbath to help relieve the discomfort from bunions. 

Bunion Prevention
Your foot clinic will generally recommend a number of tactics for bunion prevention. Wearing roomy, comfortable shoes will help to maintain foot health. Avoid narrow shoes, pointed-toe shoes and any shoe that causes constriction of the toes and arch. Ensure that there is at least one-half inch of space between the big toe and the inside edge of the shoe. Dispose of shoes that continually rub against the base of the big toe on the inside of the foot. Following these tips can help you to maintain foot health throughout your life.