A bunion is a deformity in the joint of the big toe, causing the toe to point away from the arch instead of straight ahead. There’s usually an unsightly bump on the inside of the foot. Uneven weight distribution during walking, along with stresses in the joints, may cause bunions. They tend to run in families.
If you have a painful bunion, or it’s difficult to get your shoes to fit, discuss what to do with your health care provider. Don’t put it off, says the American Diabetes Association (ADA). It’s important to discuss special shoes, orthotics or padding, and some bunions may need surgical correction.
If you have good circulation, the ADA recommends getting surgery. Modern bunion surgery not only removes the bump but also attempts to correct the mechanical problem that caused it so the bunion doesn’t grow back. Bunion surgery can take about six weeks to heal, so you’ll want to have good blood glucose control before and after the surgery to encourage healing.
Reprinted from 101 Foot-Care Tips for People with Diabetes, by Jessie H. Ahroni, PhD, ARNP, CDE. Copyright by the American Diabetes Association. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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