Besides being a blockbuster hit, The Butterfly Effect is a theory that posits that small, minor changes to a system can lead to major issues further down the chain of events. The theory suggests that something as small as a butterfly flapping its wings in one area of the world can lead to the formation of a tornado through a spiraling series of events in another part of the world. While indirect causation is probably rarely that stark, the theory itself – that small changes can lead to bigger issues elsewhere – is where we want to focus our attention today.
When it comes to your feet and ankles, it’s imperative to treat small issues before they snowball into major concerns. Effectively, you can put a halt to the butterfly effect by managing small problems before they cascade into issues that require much more invasive care. One such foot issue where this process is evident is when it comes to bunions.
Not only are bunions a foot concern that will not reverse on their own, but unmanaged bunions can lead to additional problems in other areas of your feet. Below, we take a closer look at some of the problems that can develop as a direct result of untreated bunions.
Additional Concerns With Untreated Bunions
A bunion develops when the joint at the base of the big toe becomes misaligned. This oftentimes leads to the formation of a bony prominence on the base of your big toe and your toe ends up pointing towards the other toes on the foot. Typically it develops as a result of ill-fitting footwear and chronic stress on the big toe. The problem doesn’t develop overnight, and because of its slow onset, many people will opt not to care for the issue until it becomes symptomatic, but by then other issues may have developed. Some conditions that can develop as a direct result of untreated bunions include:
Bunions That Require Surgery – Caught early enough, and you may be able to follow conservative care treatments such that bunion progression slows or stops and the issue becomes tolerable or even asymptomatic. The joint won’t shift back to its original correct position, but stopping it from progressing may mean that no additional hands-on care is warranted. However, if you ignore the problem and it worsens, the only effective treatment option may be surgery, which nobody wants if it can be avoided.
Hammertoes – If your big toe begins to encroach on adjacent toes, these toes may be forced to adapt to less space. This can cause them to bend at the joint and permanently remain in this position, either as a flexible or rigid hammertoe. This type of toe deformity can lead to pain, toe stiffness and difficulty wearing shoes, so manage your bunion for the sake of your other toes.
Metatarsalgia – Metatarsalgia is a foot condition categorized by swelling and pain in the ball of the foot, and it can develop as a direct result of unmanaged bunions. Discomfort can spread from your big toe area to your entire midfoot, making each step uncomfortable. Stop foot pain in its tracks by caring for your bunion.
Bursitis – Joint misalignment can end up placing unnatural stress on the joint and nearby structures, leading to inflammation of the bursa sacs. These fluid-filled sacs help to lubricate the joint and ensure smooth movement, but they can inflame and swell if a malformed joint leads to abnormal stress on the tissue. Bursitis is a problem on its own, but it will only amplify the symptoms you’re experiencing with your bunion, so you can expect more pain, swelling, tenderness and discomfort is bursitis develops.
Upline Joint Issues – Finally, a bunion can change how stress is dispersed across your body as you naturally attempt to shield your foot from stress when walking. This can lead to more stress being placed on you other foot or upline joints like the ankle, knee and hip. It’s certainly possible for the butterfly effect of an untreated bunion to cause problems in joints elsewhere in your body due to stress distribution changes, so care for a bunion sooner rather than later.
For more tips on managing bunions, or for help treating other foot issues before they spiral into a larger problem, connect with Dr. Silverman and his team today.