Common Symptoms

• A bump at the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe
• There will sometimes by redness and swelling at the bump
• The big toe will lean towards the other toes and sometimes put a lot of pressure on them
• Pain at the big toe joint when walking or with pressure from a shoe.

Signs of Bunions

• Painful bump on the side of the big toe joint
• Stiffness and loss of motion in the big toe joint
• Swelling, redness or soreness around your big toe joint
• Corns or calluses on the big toe or side of the ball of your foot
• persistent or intermittent pain with activity, usually relieved by rest

A bunion is a bone deformity caused by an enlargement of the joint at the base and side of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint). Bunions form when the toe moves out of place. The enlargement and its protuberance cause friction and pressure as they rub against footwear. Over time, the movement of the big toe angles in toward the other toes, sometimes overlapping a third toe (known as Hallux Varus). The growing enlargement or protuberance then causes more irritation or inflammation. In some cases, the big toe moves toward the second toe and rotates or twists, which is known as Hallus Abducto Varus. Bunions can also lead to other toe deformities, such as hammertoe.

Many people with bunions suffer from discomfort and pain from the constant irritation, rubbing, and friction of the enlargement against shoes. The skin over the toe becomes red and tender. Because this joint flexes with every step, the bigger the bunion gets, the more it hurts to walk. Over time, bursitis or arthritis may set in, the skin on the bottom of the foot may become thicker, and everyday walking may become difficult—all contributing to chronic pain.

Wearing shoes that are too tight is the leading cause of bunions. Bunions are not hereditary, but they do tend to run in families, usually because of a faulty foot structure. Foot injuries, neuromuscular problems, flat feet, and pronated feet can contribute to their formation. It is estimated that bunions occur in 33 percent of the population in Western countries.

Treatment for Bunions

• Shoe changes – wear wider shoes
• Activity modification
• Foam or gel padding
• Orthotics-over the counter (power step or superfeet brands) or custom
• Anti-inflammatory medication (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc…)
• Avoid braces that claim to correct a bunion-no brace will change the bone structure in your foot, surgery is the only way to correct a bunion

Because they are bone deformities, bunions do not resolve by themselves. The goal for bunion treatment is twofold: first, to relieve the pressure and pain caused by irritations, and second to stop any progressive growth of the enlargement. Commonly used methods for reducing pressure and pain caused by bunions include:

• Protective padding, often made from felt material, to eliminate the friction against shoes and help alleviate inflammation and skin problems.
• Removal of corns and calluses on the foot.
• Changing to carefully fitted footwear designed to accommodate the bunion and not contribute toward its growth.
• Orthotic devices—both over-the-counter and custom made—to help stabilize the joint and place the foot in the correct position for walking and standing.
• Exercises to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness or arthritis.
• Splints for nighttime wear to help the toes and joint align properly. This is often recommended for adolescents with bunions, because their bone development may still be adaptable.

Surgical Treatment

Depending on the size of the enlargement, misalignment of the toe, and pain experienced, conservative treatments may not be adequate to prevent progressive damage from bunions. In these cases, bunion surgery, known as a bunionectomy, may be advised to remove the bunion and realign the toe.