Bunions are often just thought of as bumps on the side of the foot, but they are in fact bone deformities. The big toe's bone begins to angle inward toward the other toes, affecting the joint and creating a bony outgrowth directly beneath the base of the big toe, as the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons explains on its Foot Health Facts website.
Risk Factors
Genetics plays a role in the development of some bunions. As the Calgary Foot Clinic notes, a family history of bunions, inherited foot shapes and certain genetic diseases with neuromuscular implications can contribute to bunion formation. Arthritis and foot injuries make development of bunions more likely, adds MayoClinic.com. The biggest controllable risk factor for bunion formation is long-term use of shoes that are too tight around the toes, and high-heeled shoes in particular.
Significance
Bunions might not have any detrimental effect, but they generally continue to grow and worsen, especially when causes such as ill-fitting shoes are not addressed. Bunions can make certain physical activities painful, such as jogging or participation in sports. If they become severe enough, even walking and daily activities can be difficult. More than 50 percent of U.S. women have bunions, and nine out of 10 bunions grow on women, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Symptoms
While a bony bump on the inner side of the foot at the base of the big toe is the primary symptom of bunions, other indications can present themselves. The area might also become red, sore, inflamed, swollen, painful or feel as though it's burning. Skin over the bump may thicken and corns or calluses sometimes develop between the big toe and the second toe, adds MayoClinic.com. This is because of increased friction and pressure between the toes as a result of the big toe's angling inward. The big toe might not have full mobility, and walking or other physical activities can become uncomfortable or painful.
Prevention
Although many factors for bunion development are beyond your control, taking precautions can limit the risks -- especially considering that nine out of 10 women in the U.S. wear shoes that are too tight, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Wear shoes that provide enough room around the toes that they aren't squeezed together. Some empty space should exist between the end of your longest toe and the tip of your shoes. You shouldn't feel your shoes constricting your feet anywhere, but they should conform well to the shape of your foot.
Treatment
Most treatment for bunions provides relief from pain or discomfort, rather than remedies the condition, which is considerably more difficult. Replace all ill-fitting shoes with better footwear. Treat pain and inflammation with over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as naproxen or ibuprofen. Bunion pads are available over the counter as well to cushion the outgrowth and protect it from pressure and irritation. Your podiatrist may suggest orthotic shoe inserts if your foot shape or gait contributes to the bunion. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons suggests applying an ice compress to the bunion a few times a day to soothe pain and inflammation. The only option for permanently remedying a bunion is corrective surgery, which is reserved for severe cases that interfere with daily activities and cannot be managed with other treatment options.
