Do you experience pain in your legs? Do your shoes always feel too tight? You may have a bunion. A bunion is a foot deformity that occurs when the big toe points inward instead of straight ahead. This can cause pain in the feet, ankles, and knees.
In some cases, it can even lead to leg pain. You must see a doctor for evaluation if you are experiencing any leg pain. A bunion surgery is likely necessary to relieve pain and discomfort.
Read more: Should I Get Bunion Surgery or Just Deal With it?
We will explain the link between bunions and leg pain and how it can be managed.
How Does Bunion Cause Leg Pain?
Bunions are bony bumps that develop at the base of your big toe. These bumps can cause pain and inflammation in the joint and affect the surrounding tissue and muscles. The pressure from bunions can lead to discomfort in the leg, which may be felt as pain or general stiffness.
The leading cause of bunion-related leg pain is the misalignment of the bones in your feet. The big toe joint has to work much harder than usual when walking, running, or even standing still. This extra strain can impact other parts of the leg and cause pain.
Furthermore, the surrounding muscles and tissues may be affected by the pressure of a bunion. If these tissues become inflamed, they can cause pain in your legs. Additionally, having bunions can increase your risk of developing tendonitis or arthritis in the feet or ankles. This is because both conditions are caused by overuse and joint instability.
The pain caused by bunions can range from mild to severe. It is essential to seek medical advice if you are experiencing discomfort in your feet or legs, as it could signify bunion-related leg pain. Early treatment and lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk of further problems.
Tips To Relieve Leg Pain Caused By Bunions
While bunions can be unsightly and cause extreme discomfort, some people don’t realize that bunions can also lead to leg pain. When bunions are left untreated, the surrounding tissues and tendons become inflamed and overstretched, leading to chronic pain.
Fortunately, there are a few tips that can provide relief for bunions and associated leg pain:
1. Exercise:
Regular exercise helps to strengthen the muscles around the big toe joint, which can help alleviate bunion-related pain. Stretching exercises are especially beneficial as they help elongate the muscles, reducing pressure on the bunion.
2. Orthotics:
Orthotic devices, such as custom shoe inserts, provide added support to the foot and relieve pressure on the bunion. They also help to realign the bones in your foot to a more natural position, taking stress off the bunion joint.
3. Splints:
Wearing a splint at night can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the bunion joint by holding it in a corrected position. It also helps to reduce pressure on the surrounding tendons and muscles, which can help alleviate associated leg pain.
4. Surgery:
Surgery is a last resort, but if your bunion pain is causing extensive leg pain, it may be the best option. Surgery can help reduce the bunion’s size and realign the bones in your foot, relieving pressure on the joint and eliminating associated leg pain.
Call Advanced Foot and Ankle Institute for the best treatment of bunions in Marietta. We understand how bunion pain can affect your daily life and strive to provide the best foot care available.
