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Your Foot Book Bunion: What Is a Bunion? A bunion (from the Greek word bunio or turnip) is a prominence or bump on the inside (medial) part of the big toe (hallux), where the first toe joins the foot (MTP joint). This bump or bunion often is painful due to pressure and friction from shoes. Hallux Valgus is the medical name for a bunion, a deformity in which the first toe (hallux) is twisted and angled towards the little toe (valgus). Hallux valgus usually is associated with moderate-to-severe bunions. Often, the first toe ends up underneath the second toe, causing the second toe to cock up and produce a second claw toe deformity. See Figure 1. The second toe also may rub against the top of the shoe toe box, resulting in painful corns and occasional ulcers. The metatarsal bone, attached to the second toe, is pushed downwards by the cocked up second toe, causing a painful callus underneath the ball of the second toe. See Figure 2.
A bunionette is a similar prominence and deformity of the fifth toe, resulting in pain and swelling over the prominence at the base of the fifth toe. What Causes a Bunion? Very few people are born with bunions (congenital bunions). Instead, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society considers bunions to be an "adult-acquired deformity." We know that some conditions can predispose patients towards the development of a bunion. They include flexible flat feet, a short first toe, and certain rare, neuromuscular diseases. However, most bunions are associated with Western or European societies, and the wearing of high-fashion women's shoe-wear. Consider the near absence of bunion problems in societies such as Africa, China and pre-World War II Japan. The above- mentioned bunion and claw toe deformities result from decades of wearing a pointy, rigid toe box aggravated by a high heel. After 10-15 years of wearing a shoe shaped like an "ice cream cone," the foot begins to look like an ice cream cone. How Do You Treat a Bunion? Fortunately, many mild and moderate bunions may be treated conservatively, without surgery. Skin moisturizers or lubricants may be used to decrease friction may treat the painful callus over a bunion. Properly-fitted shoes with a roomy, more anatomically-shaped toe box, and an upper made out of soft flexible material, will help reduce discomfort in most bunions. Expert shoe fitters at your local store can help to find shoes that are stylish and yet comfortable. A ball-and-ring device also can be used to help stretch the shoe leather in the area over a bunion in order to create more room for the bunion. This will expand your shoe selection. Foam or silicone type bunion pads also may provide comfort around the bunion prominence in certain shoes. Simple donut-style or silicone toe pads may relieve the pain and corns that result from clawed toes rubbing against the top of the toe box. Foam or silicone toe spacers help to prevent pressure and painful soft corns in between toes, when hallux valgus is present. Lastly, over-the-counter foot inlays may relieve the sore, painful calluses on the bottom or plantar surface of the foot, or custom orthotic inlays may be designed to distribute pressure evenly and relieve discomfort. Although severe bunion deformities may require surgical correction or special custom shoes, the experts at Foot Menders can help most sufferers with bunion problems by finding the right orthotic device and shoe combination. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. Foot Menders will not answer medical questions via email. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations. |
