Bunion Symptoms

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Rob (Last updated on February 21, 2013)

A bunion is a bony bump that forms most commonly on the joint at the base of the big toe. Bunions are caused by pressure forcing of the big toe inward and squeezing the smaller toes into an abnormal position.

Women report bunion symptoms more often than men. Some studies suggest that women are nearly 10 times more likely to experience bunion symptoms. Bunions develop gradually as a result of uneven pressure on the joints and tendons of the feet. This pressure causes the joint to be unstable, resulting in an eventual realignment and the formation of hard knob at the base of the joint.

As pressure from the bearing and shifting of weight frequently falls on the big toe, the most common visual bunion symptom is the dramatic inward direction of the big toe, which crowds the other toes.

Risk factors for the development of bunions include foot injury, an abnormal formation of the foot at birth, nerve conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and repetitive strenuous motion. Tight-fitting or high-heeled shoes create additional pressure on the foot and may exacerbate existing factors. This may be the reason that bunion symptoms are common among ballet dancers.

Additional symptoms of a bunion to look for include:

  • Swelling, redness or soreness around the big toe joint
  • Thickening of the skin at the base of the big toe
  • Corns or calluses — these often develop where the first and second toes overlap
  • Persistent or intermittent pain
  • Restricted movement of the big toe

The severity of bunion symptoms varies widely, but pain from a bunion can be strong enough to inhibit normal mobility.

For moderate bunion symptoms non-surgical treatments involve simply resting the foot by avoiding excessive walking and wearing wider shoes or sandals that provide support while not rubbing against the foot. Additionally, over the counter anti-inflammation medications, such as Aspirin or ibuprofen, can help to ease inflammation and pain. Application of a cold pack can also be helpful.

For persisting pain from bunion symptoms, a surgical operation is available from a cosmetic podiatrist.

Posted in Cosmetic Podiatrist | Tagged | Comments Off

Study Compares Laser Vein Treatment to Vein Removal Surgery

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Rob (Last updated on February 21, 2013)

If you’re bothered by varicose veins, you may be considering treatments like endovenous laser treatment or a surgical vein removal procedure. A new study in Archives of Dermatology compares both of these treatments.

In 346 patients, doctors performed either procedure and evaluated patient satisfaction, recurrence of the veins, blood flow in the veins, and side effects.

Both vein treatments produced similar results. They were effective and showed high patient satisfaction. “”Ninety-eight percent of the study population would undergo each treatment once again, when asked two years after treatment,” said Dr. Knuth Rass of Saarland University Hospital in Homburg.

Differences Between the Vein Treatments

Recurrence of varicose veins occurred in 16.2 percent of the laser treatment group and 23.1 percent of the vein stripping group.

17.8 percent of laser treatment patients developed a condition resulting in backward flow of blood through the vein. This condition occurred in only 1.3 percent of vein stripping patient group.

Researchers judged the results of endovenous laser treatment as superior. The laser treatment showed a faster recovery, better cosmetic outcome and improved blood flow. However, there were more side effects and pain reported in the laser treatment group.

Resources

Posted in Vascular Surgeon | Tagged | Comments Off

Bunion Removal Surgery

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Rob (Last updated on February 21, 2013)

If other attempts to heal the painful spot on the outside of your big toe have failed, you may benefit from bunion removal surgery.

The main goal of this surgery is to relieve pain and regain proper alignment in the joint. There are over many different surgical approaches to bunion removal, so it is a good idea to know your options and to consult with a qualified podiatrist as you plan for treatment.

Common Surgery Options for Bunion

The surgical approach that is most appropriate for your bunion will depend on the anatomy of your foot, the location and size of your bunion, and many other factors. Sometimes the best approach is to remove a section of the metatarsal bone; other times, the solution is to repair the soft tissues surrounding the metarsal that have created an imbalance.

Exostectomy (Bunionectomy)

This bunion removal procedure is used to remove the problematic section of the metatarsal head. The metatarsal is then realigned, and screws or tiny wires are inserted to stabilize the bone. Repair of the surrounding tissues may also be performed if necessary. These tissues may be too tight on one side and too loose on the other, creating an imbalance that causes the big toe to drift toward the others. Often combined with an osteotomy, the exostectomy shortens the loose tissues and lengthens the tight ones.

Osteonomy

During osteonomy, a wedge of the metatarsal bone is cut and realigned to achieve proper alignment.

Resection Arthroplasty

Used more frequently for older patients or those with acute arthritis, the goal of this procedure is to remove bone from the joint of the first metatarsal.

Most  bunion removal surgeries will take about one hour. A regional anesthetic will be used to numb the foot, and a sedative may also be administered to make you more comfortable.

Recovery from Bunion Removal

Though the estimation for complete recovery can take as long as one-year, bunion removal surgery may be the best option for some bunion sufferers. As with any surgery, recovery depends on the complexity of the surgery as well as your health and age. Some patients are able to begin walking after just a few weeks, while others cannot put weight on the affected foot for eight weeks. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions for recovery and you will be able to assume your regular activities, most likely with improved movement and increased enjoyment.

Posted in Cosmetic Podiatrist | Tagged , | Comments Off

Bulging Veins: Causes and Symptoms

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Rob (Last updated on February 21, 2013)

Veins that become perceptible by both sight and touch have numerous possible causes, ranging from thrombophlebitis to pregnancy. But whatever the cause, the result is that the valves of the veins fail to keep the blood flowing correctly. Instead, blood accumulates in the veins, causing them to enlarge.

Though visually disturbing and sometimes painful, bulging veins are often relatively harmless.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, less blood flows from the legs to the pelvis as a result of the increased pressure on the pelvic veins. Changing hormones also play a role in the development of bulging varicose veins. This condition often disappears on its own after you give birth.

Advancing age

As you age, your veins become weaker and begin to lose their elasticity. Aging veins are not as efficient at returning the blood back to the heart as they once were. Because of this, small amounts of blood pool in the veins, causing them to bulge.

Lack of exercise

Regular exercise supports proper blood circulation, and promotes healthy veins. Lack of exercise can lead to diminished circulation as well as weight gain.

Superficial thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis occurs when a clot forms in the veins just below the skin’s surface, causing inflammation of the vein. The vein bulges and may feel rope-like. Superficial thrombophlebitis is rarely life-threatening. Treatment often involves heat therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and elevation of the extremity.

Unfortunately, bulging veins can also indicate much more serious health conditions such as infections, tumors or blood clots that can travel through the blood to the heart, lungs or brain. It is especially important that you pay attention to symptoms such as the formation of ulcers, sudden swelling, or prolonged discomfort. Please seek medical care if you notice any of these symptoms.

However, even if you don’t experience these more severe symptoms, it can be a good idea to seek medical help. Your doctor should be able to discern the cause of your bulging veins and recommend appropriate treatment.

Treatment

Most cases of bulging veins can be treated with minimally invasive approaches such as sclerotherapy, laser surgeries, and catheter-assisted procedures. These procedures are all geared at compromising the walls of the vein, causing the vein to seal and disappear.

Wearing compression stockings or support hose and taking breaks during long periods of standing and sitting are two simple ways to decrease your risk of developing bulging veins. During ambulatory phlebectomy, the problem vein is surgically removed. Read more about vascular surgery to treat bulging veins.

Posted in Vascular Surgeon | Tagged , | Comments Off

Venous Reflux Disease

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Rob (Last updated on February 21, 2013)

Venous reflux, also known as venous insufficiency, occurs when the valves that normally assist correct blood flow become diseased. Instead of carrying blood from the legs to the heart and lungs, the valves allow blood flow back into the legs.

The reflux causes pain, cramping and swelling. Sometimes the appearance of the skin will change too, with symptoms such as discoloration and even ulcers in those whose vein reflux disease has gone untreated for a long time. Some sufferers develop spider and varicose veins in association with the disease, while others don’t. Not everyone who has spider or varicose veins has venous reflux disease.

It is important for your health that you receive treatment for vein reflux disease. Left untreated, it can develop into other conditions such as superficial thrombophlebitis. Venous reflux disease does not disappear on its own.

Correct diagnosis of this disease is crucial in selecting an effective treatment. Your doctor will conduct a thorough examination of your medical history and symptoms, and will use Doppler ultrasound to locate the problem areas in the legs.

A Diagnosis of Venous Reflux Disease. Now What?

Vein stripping and ligation surgery have until recently been the standard procedures for treating venous reflux disease, but both are associated with a high rate of reflux recurrence. The following treatments performed by vascular surgeons are considered highly successful treatment approaches for venous reflux.

Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT): a laser fiber is interested into the problem vein; the laser’s heat causes the walls of the vein to collapse, shrink and disappear.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): following the same concept as in EVLT, RFA involves applying radiofrequency energy through a catheter to the diseased vein.

In order to prevent venous reflux disease, it is recommended that you take breaks if you are regularly on your feet for long periods of time. If you are a nurse or waitress, for example, you are at a higher risk for developing both the venous reflux as well as venous and spider and varicose veins. Wear support hose or compression stockings and exercise on a regular basis to promote proper circulation.

Posted in Vascular Surgeon | Tagged , | Comments Off