Hallux valgus deformity is the technical term for a bunion at the base of the big toe. When these bunions develop on both feet, the condition is called bilateral hallux valgus deformity. Bunions form more often in women than in may and they may run in families, according to MedlinePlus. Occasionally, a person is born with extra bones in the foot and this can also lead to bunions.
Signs and Symptoms
The most obvious symptom of a bunion is an enlarged joint where the big toe meets the rest of the foot. A bump forms at the base of the toe and this area usually becomes very painful, often with redness and swelling. The skin at the base of the toe sometimes becomes thickened and, as the condition worsens, the big toe may turn towards the other toes. Occasionally calluses may appear where the big toe overlaps the other toes. The pain is usually aggravated by the pressure from shoes. MayoClinic.com states that as the hallux valgus deformity progresses, it may cause some loss of movement of the big toe.
Causes
Bunions usually form gradually as a result of abnormal foot movement or pressure on the big toe. The causes listed by MayoClinic.com include wearing high-heeled, pointed-toe or poorly fitting shoes or an injury to the toe joint that irritates the area. A person may also have an inherited condition which makes the toe joint more likely to form a bunion. Older people with arthritis of the foot or people whose occupation causes stress to the feet are also more prone to bunions.
When to See a Doctor
According to MedlinePlus, a person with a bunion should see a doctor when the discomfort interfers with normal daily activities. If there is any sign of infection in the area or if a person with diabetes develops a bunion, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Conservative Treatment
In many cases of bilateral hallux valgus deformity, the doctor will recommend treatment at home that may make the bunions get smaller and eventually disappear. The patient should wear only comfortable, wide-toed shoes and use felt or foam pads to cushion the area around the bunion. She may also use ice packs several times each day to help reduce the swelling. MedlinePlus.com recommends using spacers between the big toe and the second toe to re-align the big toe. Spacers can be purchased at most drugstores. Finally, cutting a hole in a pair of old shoes to eliminate pressure on the big toe and wearing these shoes when possible may help significantly during the healing process.
Surgery
If conservative treatment doesn't help, surgery is another option. The procedure to remove the bunion and re-align the big toe is called a bunionectomy. This involves removal of some of the swollen, inflamed tissue and removal of some bone to straighten the big toe. The surgeon will sometimes also shorten or lengthen tendons or ligaments and occasionally screws or wires will be inserted to hold the parts of the toe joint together. MedlinePlus states that the prognosis after surgery is usually good, with lessened pain. The deformity will also look better but the foot may still not look perfectly normal.
Member Comments