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A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe—the metatarsophalangeal
(MTP) joint—that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. This
forces the toe to bend toward the others, causing an often painful lump of bone on the foot.
Since this joint carries a lot of the bodys weight while walking, bunions can cause extreme
pain if left untreated. The MTP joint itself may become stiff and sore, making even the
wearing of shoes difficult or impossible. Bunions from the Latin "bunio," meaning
enlargementcan also occur on the outside of the foot along the little toe, where it is
called a "bunionette" or "tailors bunion."
Symptoms
Development of a firm bump on the outside edge of the foot, at the base of the big toe.
Redness, swelling, or pain at or near the MTP joint.
Corns or other irritations caused by the overlap of the first and second toes.
Restricted or painful motion of the big toe.
How Do You Get a Bunion?
Bunions form when the normal balance of forces that is exerted on the joints and tendons of
the foot becomes disrupted. This can lead to instability in the joint and cause the
deformity. They are brought about by years of abnormal motion and pressure over the MTP
joint. They are, therefore, a symptom of faulty foot development and are usually caused by
the way we walk, and our inherited foot type, our shoes, or other sources.
Although bunions tend to run in families, it is the foot type that is passed down—not the
bunion. Parents who suffer from poor foot mechanics can pass their problematic foot type on
to their children, who, in turn, are also prone to developing bunions. The abnormal
functioning caused by this faulty foot development can lead to pressure being exerted on and
within the foot, often resulting in bone and joint deformities such as bunions and
hammertoes.
Other causes of bunions are foot injuries, neuromuscular disorders, or congenital
deformities. People who suffer from flat feet or low arches are also prone to developing
these problems, as are arthritic patients and those with inflammatory joint disease.
Occupations that place undue stress on the feet are also a factor; ballet dancers, for
instance, often develop the condition.
Wearing shoes that are too tight or cause the toes to be squeezed together is also a common
factor, one that explains the high prevalence of the disorder among women.
What Can You Do For Relief?
Apply a commercial, nonmedicated bunion pad around the bony prominence.
Wear shoes with a wide and deep toe box. If your bunion becomes inflamed and painful, apply ice packs several times a day to reduce swelling. Avoid high-heeled shoes over two inches tall. See your podiatric physician if pain persists. Conservative Treatment For Bunion Pain Treatment options vary with the type and severity of each bunion, although identifying the deformity early in its development is important in avoiding surgery. Podiatric medical attention should be sought at the first indication of pain or discomfort because, left untreated, bunions tend to get larger and more painful, making nonsurgical treatment less of an option.
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