Bunion is the common term for the medical condition known as hallux valgus, in which there is a prominence of the joint where the big toe attaches to the bones of the ball of the foot. This occurs due to an enlargement of the bones forming this joint. This can lead to an abnormal inward curving of the big toe, with a bony angle pointing out at the outer side of the foot. Bunions are more common in women and are usually caused by an inherited foot structure and flat feet, though they are also thought to develop due to wearing tightly fitted shoes and high heels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Pain
In some cases, bunions may not cause any pain or discomfort at all, as long as individuals are wearing comfortable, properly fitting shoes. However, in most individuals, bunions cause a chronic dull pain, which is the most common symptom of this condition. The Mayo Clinic website explains that this occurs because the fat pad around the joint of the big toe becomes swollen and inflamed due to increased pressure at the joint. The pain caused by a bunion can progress from a dull ache to severe pain, particularly when wearing tight shoes or high heels.
Skin Thickness
Bunions can also lead to increased pressure and friction from shoes on the overlying skin. This causes inflammation, redness and skin thickening. The overlapping toes may also become deformed and have skin thickening and lesions such as corns and calluses, as noted by the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center.
Difficulty Walking
The Cleveland Clinic notes that the deformity produced in the foot by bunions can lead to some difficulty in walking and wearing any tight shoes. The persistent pressure by misalignment and overcrowding of the toes may damage the joints and produce arthritis in the foot. The bunion may even be caused or worsened by joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or due to a foot injury.
Foot Deformity
The enlargement of the joint and abnormal angle of the big toe cause a deformed appearance to the foot and overlapping of the toes. The other toes may also become affected by this condition and develop claw-like deformities called hammertoes. The toenails may also bend and start growing into the sides of the nail bed. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that in severe cases the deformed toes can restrict movement of both the toes and the foot when walking.
