A bunion is a bony protrusion at the base of a toe. The most frequent type of bunion, "hallux valgus," is caused by a shift in bone position rather than by bony growth. A little hump is typical and may be a regular element of the foot form. A bunion deformity occurs when the bones around the great toe move and the metatarsal bone pushes out against the skin, resulting in a more noticeable and often painful bony protrusion.
Despite the fact that bunions are a common foot deformity, there are several myths regarding them. Many people may suffer from bunions unnecessarily for years before seeking medical help. Painful bunions make walking and exercise difficult, but they may be avoided. In this article, we will tell you everything you should know about bunions.
A bunion looks like a turnip: it's red and swollen. According to some theories, the term bunion is derived from the Greek word for turnip. Signs and symptoms of bunions include:
Tenderness
Pain that is either persistent or intermittent
Inability to flex the big toe or discomfort and burning while attempting to do so
Having trouble wearing standard shoes
Calluses or corns
Hammertoes
Big toe numbness
When you touch a bunion, it may appear glossy and inflamed.
Bunions are most commonly caused by a hereditary flaw in the foot's mechanical structure. It is not the bunion that is inherited, but rather specific foot types that predispose a person to acquire a bunion.
Even though wearing shoes with narrow toe boxes that squeeze the toes together won't really create bunions, it might occasionally make the condition worse. As a result, symptoms may occur sooner.
These factors may increase your chances of developing bunions:
High-heeled shoes. When you wear high heels, your toes are forced into the front of your shoes, often crowding them.
Shoes that don't fit. Bunions are more common in those who wear shoes that are excessively tight, too thin, or too pointed.
Rheumatoid arthritis This inflammatory disease might increase your chances of developing bunions.
Heredity. Bunions may form as a result of a genetic issue with the structure or anatomy of your foot.
Leg length. If one of your legs is longer than the other, a bunion on the big toe of the longer leg is possible.
There are two major ways to treat a bunion: medications and surgery. . Pain and swelling can be reduced using over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen. Cortisol injections can help reduce swelling, especially in the fluid-filled pads that cushion the bones.
In some cases, bunions can be treated only with the help of surgery. Bunion surgery may be appropriate for people who have discomfort and inflammation that does not improve with conventional therapies, have a deformity severe enough that the toe crosses over another toe, or are unable to bend or straighten a toe due to stiffness.
Properly fitted shoes are essential for avoiding bunions or keeping an existing bunion from worsening. Your healthcare practitioner can advise you on how to choose the proper shoes. In general, shoes with a broad toe box and soft bottoms are preferable.
Shoes that are narrow and pointed at the tip, as well as high heels that create pressure on the front of the foot, should be avoided. Custom insoles can help prevent or reduce the onset of bunions if you have flat feet or another hereditary structural foot condition.
Keep track of your feet and follow any changes that occur, especially if you have a family history of foot or ligament problems. If you have serious pain in the big toe joint that doesn’t improve in a few days, it is better to contact a foot doctor.