Bring Your Feet Back to Perfect Shape With Bunion Treatment in Calgary
Bunions are a medical condition that usually affects the big toe. If you get bunions, your big toe will likely start pointing in a different direction than toes typically do. This will happen if the first bone above the big toe becomes angular in the opposite direction. Bunions are often caused by incorrect foot mechanics. The foot may flatten too much, forcing the toe joint to move beyond the normal range. In some cases, joint damage caused by arthritis or an injury produces a bunion. Furthermore, some people are born with a tendency to develop bunions.
Types of Bunions
Bunions are broadly classified into two categories. Positional (mild) bunions arise from the growth of a new bone. Structural (severe) bunions result when the joint at the base of the toe shifts position. But there is also a third type, as many bunions are a combination of positional and structural bunions.
Positional bunion
When the joint enlarges as new bone grows, it results in the formation of a positional bunion. The bone stretches the joint’s outer covering, and the big toe is pushed towards the smaller ones, which in turn pulls the big toe out of alignment.
Structural bunion
A structural bunion forms when the angle between the big toe and second toe bone is larger than normal. It also pushes the big toe towards the smaller ones.
Regardless of the type of bunion, it is recommended to seek professional treatment. At Dalhousie Station Foot Clinic, our podiatrist can provide short-term and long-term bunion treatments in Calgary to help you keep your feet healthy.
Causes of Bunions
Bunions can either be manifested genetically or develop over time. While some bunions can be avoided by taking proper care of your foot, genetically manifested bunions can not. However, you can take steps to avoid worsening the problem. In general, bunions are caused by:
Wearing Improper or Inappropriate Shoes Wearing shoes that are high-heeled or improperly fitted (too small) can lead you to develop bunions. This happens because small or high-heeled shoes crowd your toes together. This puts excessive pressure on your big toe and can cause bunions to form.
Standing for Long Stretches at Once If you stand for long periods without taking a break, your feet are bound to be subjected to a lot of constant pressure. This can adversely affect your toes and lead to the development of a bunion.
Arthritis Symptoms If your feet show arthritis symptoms likely, small amounts of pressure can also cause damage to them. In return, you become much more susceptible to bunions.
Symptoms Of Bunions for Calgary Residents
If you can spot bunions early on in their formation, you can start your treatment early. Additionally, with early diagnosis, your treatment is likely to be less complicated. It is important to be able to spot any signs of bunions. The symptoms include:
Redness on your big toe
Inflammation on your big toe
Change in the direction of your big toe
Formation of calluses on your second toe
Persistent or intermittent pain in your foot
Difficulty in moving your big toe
A decrease in the flexibility in your big toe
Formation of lumps on or near the joint of your big toe
In case you feel or spot any of these symptoms, please get in touch with Dr. Ian Russell immediately.
Importance of Early Diagnosis
If the bunion is diagnosed in an early stage, its development can be slowed and, in some cases, even arrested with the help of proper supportive shoe gear and custom orthotics. Physical therapy involving stretching can prove to be beneficial. Avoiding improper footwear, athletic activities, and toe pressure can prevent the symptoms of bunions. So, an early examination by a podiatrist is always recommended.
How Our Podiatrist Can Help
We will use the latest technology to help diagnose your condition and provide you with the best possible treatment. Depending on your condition's requirements, we will use X-Ray, MRI and other techniques to diagnose you properly. We will also customize a treatment plan to suit your needs.
Everyone was most kind and considerate
"Thank you Dr. Ian Russell and your staff for the excellent care I received during recent bunion type surgery. I was given detailed information as to what to expect during the procedure and post-op care. Everyone was most kind and considerate making office visits as pleasant as possible."
Thank you again,
Pauline M.
Testimonials: Read What Clients Say About Us
Had a Positive Experience With My Bunion Surgery
"I had Doctor Russell perform bunion surgery on my left foot in May of 2011. When I made the decision to have the surgery, I was no longer able to find comfortable shoes and experienced a great deal of pain after exercising. I chose Dr. Russell after meeting with him and upon the recommendation of another podiatrist. I was very apprehensive about the procedure because I had heard from many acquaintances that the surgery was painful and that a long, difficult recovery period was inevitable.
My anxiety was further exasperated by the fact that I get nervous about having to attend to any medical procedure. Although I was anxious on the day of the surgery, I was given a mild sedative during the procedure and made to feel comfortable. I experienced no pain during the surgery and only minor discomfort for a week after. Because I was careful to follow post-operative instructions related to caring for my foot, I have had very little pain and I am well on my way to recovery.
I believe that a large part of the positive experience I had with my bunion surgery was due to Doctor Russell and his staff at the Dalhousie Station Foot Clinic. They were knowledgeable, professional and showed genuine concern for my well-being. I plan to have my other foot operated on in the next year and will return to the Dalhousie Station Foot Clinic because I feel confident in their ability to perform the surgery, as well as advising me on how to do my part in achieving the best outcome."
-Lana H-M.
Calgary Police Service
