BUNIONS (Hallux Abducto Valgus)

Bunions are a common deformity of the foot. The first metatarsal bone and the big toe become misaligned.  The incidence of bunions is much higher in women than men. This is thought to be due to shoe fashion. Other factors may be heredity, injury, and arthritis. Wearing narrow toed and high heeled shoes can greatly accelerate the formation of a bunion.

Click here to see pictures of bunions.

Symptoms

· Redness, swelling, or pain in the big toe joint

· Moderate to severe discomfort at the bunion when wearing shoes, particularly if tight fitting .

· A painful callus may develop over the bunion

· There may be a painful corn on the adjacent sides of the first and second toes.

· Skin over the bunion may break down causing an ulceration, which can become infected.

Causes

· Abnormal foot function is probably the most common cause

· Family history of bunions.

· Narrow toed dress shoes and high heels may contribute to the formation of a bunion.

· Rheumatoid and Psoriatic arthritis.

· Limb length inequality can cause a bunion on the longer limb.

· Injury to the foot

What You Can Do

· Wear shoes with a wide and deep toe box. You should be able to "dimple" the the leather over your bunion.

· Avoid all high heeled shoes.

· If your bunion becomes painful, red, and swollen try elevating your foot and applying ice for about 20 minutes every hour.

· If symptoms persist, consult your podiatrist.

What the doctor may do

· Recommend commercially available or custom made shoes.

· Prescribe orthotics (arch supports) to correct faulty foot function, and help prevent worsening of the deformity.

· Recommend bunion surgery to correct the deformity.