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In the fall, many women experience problems with their feet. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, this is the time of year when surgeons become busy tending to female feet suffering from bunion pain.

Why does this happen in autumn? There are several reasons, one being the seasonal switch from open-toed sandals to footwear with closed in toes. And while it’s true that shoes aren’t the cause of bunions, they can cause bunion pain, and make the deformity grow progressively worse. This is why foot and ankle surgeons warn against high-heeled shoes, and/or styles that bunch the wearer’s toes too tightly together.

Another explanation for the seasonal rise in bunion complaints is financial. Women may put off surgery until the winter when they are closer to meeting insurance deductibles. The delay also enables them to participate fully in summer activities, rather than being out-of-commission, on the mend from foot surgery.

Bunions are a common foot deformity. A progressive disorder, they don't go away, and normally worsen over time. Initially, the big toe starts to lean towards the second toe, eventually re-structuring bone angles. Finally, when the bony framework of the front part of the foot has been sufficiently altered, a bump appears.

Early Treatments

Avoiding aggravating activities such as standing for long periods of time
Changes in footwear – no pointed toes or high heels
Corticosteroid injections for bursitis and nerve and joint irritation
Foam or gel-filled padding
Icing several times a day to reduce inflammation and pain
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
Orthotic devices to support, align, and prevent further deformities

Surgery

Only surgery can correct this type of foot deformity. Advances in surgical techniques have lead to a high success rate for bunion surgery. Various procedures are available; all are designed to remove the bump (bone), re-align the bony structure of the foot, and correct any soft tissue changes. The goal is to eliminate pain. Recovery time depends on the specific procedure performed.

Click here for more information on the MCN Podiatry Specialty.

For more, go to http://www.footphysicians.com.