Relief for Big Toe Pain: Which Treatment is Right for You?
Not only big toe pain in Adelaide is a nuisance, but it can also be a real problem that stops many people from keeping active and achieving the health benefits of exercising. It can even lead to other foot and ankle problems if left untreated. It’s important to visit a podiatrist early so you can take steps to prevent bunion progression and keep your feet healthy.
The biggest cause of bunions is a deformity in the 1st metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. This is a joint in the front of your foot and is involved in most activities we do in the day-to-day. It is a complex joint and can be subject to abnormal mechanical loads that can change its function. Traditionally this has been treated by a surgery called fusion where the bones of the MTP joint are joined together which reduces movement and alleviates pain. This technique is still used in some cases however a new procedure has recently become available and is transforming the treatment of bunions.
Bunion surgery is not an option for everyone and is only recommended for people with significant symptoms such as a swollen painful joint, difficulty pushing off in walking or running, unable to wear shoes without rubbing, and pain. We can offer a new surgical technique called ‘Cartiva’ which allows the natural MTP joint to remain functional and is a much more attractive alternative to fusion surgery. It is also easier to recover from and most people can return to running, footwear, and normal activity from 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
Symptoms can also be alleviated by wearing footwear that is adequate in length and width to avoid the big toe joint being compressed. Changing your shoe size or switching to a wide, rocker-soled shoe can dramatically lower the load on the plantar plate region. Gel pads and toe inserts can also be useful in cushioning the pain, acting like stints, and helping to prevent further bunion growth.
It’s important to visit a podiatrist with a good understanding of bunions Adelaide and the underlying issues. This is to minimise the damage that can be caused and prevent further progression of the bunions & the more serious hammertoe deformities that can develop.
Bunion clinics offer a range of services that cover anything that changes the way your feet & ankles work by altering their alignment or the function of their joints/muscles/tendons/nerves. It can include stretches and strengthening, gait retraining, paddings, strapping, bracing, or orthoses (shoes). A biomechanical assessment will allow us to identify the key areas that are affected by your bunions and what the best approach is for your case. Call today for a consultation with our specialist podiatrists and get back on your feet sooner.
