What is a bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big to, developing on the inside edge of your big toe joint – or metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, which is where the base of your big toe meets your foot. Hallux valgus is the medical term for bunions.
What are the symptoms of a bunion?
The most obvious symptom of a bunion is the growth that forms at the base of your big toe, which you’ll usually be able to see and feel. Bunions can also cause other symptoms, such as:
- Pain in your big toe that may become worse when wearing certain types of shoes
- Stiffness that makes it difficult or painful to move or bend your big toe
- Swelling, discoloration, or redness
- Corns or calluses
- Hammertoes
- Numbness in or around your big toe
What causes bunions?
The exact cause of bunions is unknown, but there are many theories about how they develop, including:
- Family history
- Abnormal bone structure
- Foot stress or injury
- Inflammatory health conditions
- Narrow or tight footwear
It’s widely accepted that bunions are often a result of extra pressure placed on your big toe joint for a prolonged (years) period of time. This pressure can push your MTP joint of its natural alignment and eventually lead to a bunion forming.
What are the risk factors?
While a bunion can happen to anyone, the following factors can increase your risk of developing one.
- High-heeled or ill-fitting shoes: High heels can disrupt the natural state of your feet, forcing and crowding your toes into the front of your shoes. Wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow can also increase your risk of bunions
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This inflammatory type of arthritis can put you at a greater risk of developing bunions
- Heredity: If you have a family history of bunions, your risk is higher. Inheriting certain problems related to the structure of your foot can also make you more likely to form a bunion
Complications
If left untreated, bunions can lead to complications, including:
- Bursitis: A painful condition that involves the inflammation of the small fluid-filled pads that cushion the bones near your joints
- Hammertoes: A foot deformity that involves an abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe, resembling the shape of a hammer
- Metatarsalgia: A common foot condition that occurs when the metatarsal bone becomes inflamed, causing pain in the ball of the foot, specifically where the toes meet the arch
- Osteoarthritis: A chronic joint disease involving the breakdown of protective cartilage
How are bunions diagnosed?
To know if you have a bunion, your podiatrist or healthcare provider will perform a physical examination of your foot and talk to you about your symptoms. It can be helpful to prepare a list of questions and specific talking points prior to your visit, which might include:
- A timeline of when your foot problems began
- Anything that seems to improve or worsen your symptoms
- Details about the types of shoes you typically wear
- A solid idea of how much pain you tend to feel and in what areas
When is it time to see a podiatrist?
If you have persistent pain, difficulty walking, or your bunion is getting worse despite wearing supportive shoes, it’s time to see a podiatrist. Bunions won’t go away on their own, and delaying treatment can lead to more serious foot problems.
At Volunteer Podiatry, we can assess your condition and recommend the best treatment to relieve your pain and prevent further complications.
How are bunions treated?
Bunions don’t go away over time and you can’t properly treat them on your own. If you have a bunion, you should see a podiatrist or other healthcare provider who can diagnose it and suggest treatments to relieve your unique symptoms. Treatment options for bunions vary based on severity and level of pain.
Nonsurgical treatment
Conservative or nonsurgical treatments that relieve pain or pressure associated with a bunion include:
- New shoes: Wearing comfortable shoes, especially those that provide plenty of room for your toes
- Bunion pads: Available over-the-counter, bunion pads or cushions can create a buffer between your foot and your shoe to ease pain
- Shoe inserts: Over-the-counter shoe inserts can help to distribute pressure more evenly when moving your feet, which can relieve bunion pain and prevent it from worsening
- Pain relievers and icing: Whether used separately or together, ice and over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or Aleve can help you control your bunion pain and relive swelling or soreness
Surgical procedures
IIf nonsurgical treatments don’t provide relief, your podiatrist may recommend bunion correction surgery, such as lapiplasty or other procedures. Surgical options may include:
- Removing swollen tissue around your big toe joint
- Realigning your big toe by removing part of the bone
- Correcting the abnormal angle in your big toe joint by realigning bones in the forefoot
- Permanently joining the bones of your affected joint
Your podiatrist will determine the best approach based on the severity of your bunion and overall foot health.