A bunion is a deformity of the big toe where the bottom of the toe bone is pushed outward, forcing the top of the toe to move inward. Bunions are often painful and can have a variety of causes. Top on the list is genetics. Many people may be predestined to have bunions because it runs in the family. Other factors are biomechanics, such as overpronation and flexible joints, which can throw off the alignment in the big toe and the metatarsals. Pregnancy can also be a factor in developing a bunion. A hormone called relaxin can loosen the ligaments in the bones of the feet, causing them to widen as the bones shift in position. Being overweight is another possible cause of bunion formation as extra weight increases the pressure on the big toe, which absorbs most of the force when you walk. Finally, wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow and have pointy toes can increase the severity of a bunion. To find out more about bunions, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist.
Bunions progressively worsen over time and may cause walking in your shoes to become difficult. To learn more about bunions, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Are Bunions?
A bunion is a bony bump that protrudes from the base of the big toe. Bunions are caused due to a misalignment of the first metatarsal. The characteristic bump of a bunion forms when the metatarsal shifts outwards from its proper position. Bunions develop slowly over time and progressively worsen without treatment. The skin over the bunion may develop calluses due to the friction from shoes. Eventually, a bunion can make walking uncomfortable or even painful. Bunions are one of the most common foot deformities and are especially common in women and older adults.
Symptoms
A bunion appears as a bulging bump on the outside of the base of the big toe.
The bunion may also:
Be swollen, red, or sore
Develop corns or calluses over it
Cause pain
Limit the big toe’s range of motion
Treatment
There are several different treatments available for bunions. Conservative treatment options include wearing shoes with a wider toe box, cushioning the bunion with a specialized pad, wearing shoe inserts, icing the bunion if it becomes inflamed, and taking medications to relieve pain. In more severe cases, more invasive procedures may be done. This may involve removing the swollen tissue around the bunion, straightening the big toe, realigning the bones at the front of the foot, or a combination of these procedures.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs
