Bunions

What is a Bunion?

A bunion (Hallux valgus) occurs when the foot bone that joins with the big toe moves towards the center of the body.

When the big toe moves towards the center of the body, a bony prominence on the side of the foot occurs.

Bunions are more common in women than men. Women are more likely to get bunions because they often were tight fitting shoes.

Bunions are generally preventable and treated by wearing more appropriate footwear. Bunions rarely require surgery.

What causes a Bunion?

The most common cause of bunions is poor fitting shoes. A family history of bunions will increase your risk of developing a bunion. Some other causes of bunions are:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Weak ligaments in the feet
• Trauma or injury to the feet

Symptoms of a Bunion

Symptoms of bunions include:

• redness around the big toe joint
• difficulty walking
• swelling around the big toe joint
• and pain along the inside margin of the foot.
• feet that are too wide to fit into their normal shoes.
• pain when wearing tight shoes
• A second toe may become a "hammer toe"

Can Bunions be prevented?

Yes. The easiest way to prevent bunions is to wear shoes that fit properly. When a shoe fits properly, the tops of the four smaller toes, when resting on the insole of a shoe, should be about level with one another.

How are Bunions treated?

There are many different treatments for bunions. Medications, such as ibuprofen will temporary relieve the pain and inflammation. Change in footwear is a more permanent treatment that will help the bunion go away. Commercial bunion pads, and bunion night splints can reduce the size of the bunion.

In rare cases, surgery is needed.

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