Bunion

Bunions

Bunions, also known as hallux valgus, are growths or enlargements of the toe bones that form at the joints, producing a visible protrusion. They typically form at the base of the big toes, and less frequently at the base of the little toes.

This condition develops when the big toe gets pulled towards the other toes, causing the joint of the big toe to push out. This causes a bunion to form which may result in swelling and redness.

Causes

The primary cause of bunions is prolonged stress on the joints, which is often associated with wearing poorly fitting shoes. This includes shoes that are narrow in the toes, such as many kinds of high heels. Because of this, bunions more commonly develop in women. However, there are other risk factors, including genetics and arthritis, that can lead to their development.

If you are concerned about developing a deformity such as bunions, there are preventative measures you can take, such as switching to a more comfortable shoe.

Treatment

There are various conservative treatment options available for individuals with bunions. These methods are very effective for early-on treatment, but if the bunion is too developed, surgery may be recommended.

Conservative treatment options include:

Switching to comfortable shoes
Pain medicines
Icing the bunion
Shoe inserts

If these methods are ineffective, the patient may be a candidate for therapy. BEST Health System offers a variety of surgical options, the most common being a bunionectomy.

Symptoms

Individuals with bunions may experience different symptoms depending on different factors, however, the most common symptoms include:

Prolonged foot pain
A bump on the outside of your big toe
Redness or swelling

Reach Out to BEST Health System Today

If you’re living with foot pain, call BEST Health System today. Our highly skilled medical team will help you develop a personalized treatment plan to get you back to the people and activities you love as soon as possible.