A Blood Test Can Help Diagnose Bunions?
You know the drill: every year, you go to the doctor for your annual physical. They check your blood pressure, your weight, and your cholesterol levels. But did you know that doctors are now using blood tests to diagnose bunions? That’s right: by taking a small sample of your blood, doctors can now determine whether you have a bunion.
And while this may sound like a pain (literally), it’s actually a pretty big deal. Why? Because bunions can be pretty painful. They’re caused by a misalignment of the bones in your foot, and can lead to arthritis and other problems down the road due to the prolonged abnormal position of the joint. So if you can catch a bunion early, you can start to take preventative action now to avoid a lot of pain later on. Blood tests for bunions are still relatively new, but they’re already becoming more common. So if you’re over the age of 40 and you’ve been having foot pain, be sure to ask your doctor about a blood test. It could save you a lot of pain in the long run!
How Does the Test Work?
Bunions are one of the most common foot problems that people experience. They are usually brought to our attention after years of wearing shoes that are too tight or have high heels. Bunions can be identified by noticing the big toe starts to bend towards the other toes, which puts pressure on the joint and can lead to pain. Doctors can now use blood tests to diagnose bunions. This is because the test can measure levels of a protein called C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is produced by the body in response to inflammation. levels of CRP are often raised in people with bunions. The test can also help to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
While CRP tests can identify inflammation in the body, it can not show where the inflammation is located or what is causing it so further physical examination, and often an X-ray by a podiatrist is often warranted.
If you think you may have a bunion, it’s important to see a doctor so they can diagnose the problem and recommend the best treatment.