Is paget’s disease of bone related to paget’s disease of the breast?

No, they are two distinct disorders. Paget’s disease of bone is a rare disorder in which the balance between bone formation and breakdown is altered. Over time, the affected bones become very fragile, alter in shape and may fracture. Paget’s disease of bone is more common in older individuals. The disease tends to affect bones in the pelvis, skull and legs. As the bones start to grow abnormally, one may develop nerve compression, hip pain, hearing loss or headaches. Beside fractures, Paget’s disease of bone can cause osteoarthritis, heart failure and even cancer of bone.

I have a very painful bunion. Is there anything I can do at home to reduce the pain?

Bunions are a big problem in our society and various treatments have been developed. The earlier one seeks treatment, the less the chance of developing joint deformity. In all cases, the initial treatment is conservative and includes the following:

- Change your shoe wear and get something with plenty of toe space

- Pad the shoes around the toes to relieve pain and eliminate stress

- Most people require some type of pain relief. Over the counter NSAIDs suffice in most cases.

- Physical therapy including wearing splints, ultrasound or whirlpool baths can help sooth the pain and assist in ambulation

- Often shoe inserts can help control abnormal movement of the foot. Shoe inserts can be acquired without a prescription. The more expensive shoe inserts with a prescription are no better at pain relief than the ones you can buy in any shoe store.

-Rest and soak your foot in warm water at least 2-4 times a day

I have a bunion and my doctor says I need surgery. Should I go for it?

 Tell your doctor to take a hike. The initial management of all bunions is conservative. When all non-surgical treatments fail after 9-12 months, surgery may be the only other alternative. Surgery involves removal of the swollen tissues and realigning the toe. Do not be in a rush to jump in line for surgery- the results are at best mediocre, pain is significant and bunions do come back. Moreover, you will have to take at least 4-6 weeks off work after surgery. Most patients are not satisfied with surgery. To prevent recurrences one should wear proper shoes and avoid high heels.

What are the features of a bunion?

Symptoms of bunions include:

- An unattractive bulge at the side of the big toe

- Swelling, redness or pain

- Corns or calluses at the base/side of the big toe

- Limited movement of the big toe

- Difficulty wearing shoes

Most individuals with bunion have one complain- pain. The pain can be variable but is usually constant and can be severe. Because the bunion pushes the other toes, crowding and ingrown toes nails are also common. Bunions once acquired can be worsened in individuals who wear high heels or ill fitting shoes. Individuals with flat feet and arthritis also have a tendency to develop bunions.

Can you please tell me how I got a bunion on my foot? I am only 23

Bunion is an abnormal bony protrusion that develops on the joint of the big toe. The toe joint becomes progressive large, distorted and crowds the other toes. The outward pressure of the joint gradually increases, leading to pain and an abnormal profile of the foot. Bunions can occur for many reasons but the most common is wearing of tight fitting shoes- especially at the toes.

Other causes of bunions may be congenital, bad luck, trauma or stress on the toes from another medical disorder.

The chief reason why bunions are more common in women is because of tight restrictive shoes. Looking good sure does have a few setback and developing bunions is one of them