A bunion is a deformity of the foot known by the medical terms hallux valgus and hallux abducto valgus. A bunion appears as a bump on the side of your big toe, signals an underlying problem in the bones of your foot. Bunions begin with your big toe leaning, but, as a progressive foot disorder, they worsen over the years if left untreated and can cause other symptoms.
Bunions
Bunions result when the bony framework in the front of your foot changes, causing your big toe to lean against your second toe instead of remaining in its natural, straighten position. The resulting misalignment of the bones causes a bump on the outside of your big toe. An inherited abnormal bone structure of the foot makes some people more prone to develop bunions. Women are also more likely than men to develop bunions. While shoes with narrow toes do not cause bunions, they can speed up the progression of the condition and make it worse.
Symptoms
The leaning big toe and the bony growth that is the bunion bump are the primary symptoms. The bump can cause pain, a burning sensation or numbness. Pressure from shoes or standing for long periods can worsen these symptoms. You might experience redness or inflammation at the bunion site. The skin along the inside edge of your big toe might appear rough and reddened. Doctors often order X-rays to evaluate the progression of the bone deformity.
Lifestyle Changes
Preventive and protective measures can prevent your bunion from worsening if you start them soon after you notice it. Wear wide-toed shoes with low heels to prevent crowding of your toes, and use foam or felt toe pads to cushion the bunion bump. Your doctor might recommend wearing spacers to separate your toes while you sleep. You might also need to avoid activities that increase bunion pain or discomfort.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications help with bunion pain and inflammation. Your doctor might recommend orthotic devices, such as toe spacers worn or custom devices to treat your condition. Rarely, doctors inject corticosteroids to treat inflammation caused by bunions.
Surgical Procedures
Your doctor might recommend one of the more than 100 surgical procedures for bunions, based on your particular needs. For example, the bunionectomy realigns the big toe and removes the bunion bump. Or your doctor might perform an arthrodesis to remove damaged joint parts, after which a cast or pins are used to hold the joints in place. An osteotomy involves cutting and moving the bones on the sides of your toe joint. Your surgeon might choose to shave off the bunion bump.
Tailor's Bunion
The tailor's bunion, also known as the bunionette, has the same causes, symptoms and treatments as the bunion, but it occurs on the outside edge of your foot near the little toe. This bunion forms at the base of the fifth metatarsal bone -- the long bones in the foot -- where it meets your little toe. Named centuries ago for tailors who sat crossed-legged with the side of their feet against the ground, tailor's bunions not as common as typical bunions.
