A bunion occurs when the joint at the base of the big toe becomes sore, swollen or enlarged.
Initially, it will appear as a ‘bump’ on the side of the big toe, an indication that a change in the bony framework of the front part of the foot has occurred.
The bunion’s ‘bump’ occurs when the big toe leans toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead, in the process throwing the bones out of alignment. Bunions tend to evolve progressively, beginning with the leaning of the big toe which gradually changes the angle of the toe bones over the years producing what is observed as the ‘bump’.
In most cases, bunions are the result of inherited faults in the structure of the foot. Bunions in themselves are not inherited, rather they come from a certain foot type that is prone to developing bunions.
The wearing of narrow, tight shoes that crowd the toes can also accentuate the bunion deformity. Often by simply switching to a shoe design with a wide toe box can help reduce any pain associated with a bunion, but this of itself will not reverse the deformity. It is the wearing of footwear with a narrow toe box that often highlights the symptoms that are connected with bunions.
- Pain or soreness in the big toe
- Inflammation and redness in the toe region
- A burning sensation in the foot
- Possible numbness around the toes
Bunions are progressive, they don’t go away, and they will usually get worse over time so any treatment is usually focussed on reducing any associated pain through:
- Selecting more appropriate footwear
- Placing soft pads over the bunion area
- Modifying personal activity, in particular, the amount of time spent standing
- Icing the area on a regular basis
- Adding an orthotic device to the chosen footwear
- Surgical removal of the bony bump and realignment of the toe.
Once your podiatrist has physically examined the bunion, the most effective remedial action can be proposed.
Contact Bentley Podiatry today for more information.