A bunion--also called hallux valgus--is a painful growth of bone and tissue on the outer portion of the joint of the big toe. The area where the toe meets the foot becomes larger and painful. Women experience bunions more frequently than men, especially because of the common shape of female shoes. Treatment for bunions includes lifestyle changes and sometimes surgery. Wearing properly fitting shoes is important for preventing bunions, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Causes
Bunions occur for several different reasons, including genetics and an injury to the foot. The most common cause of a bunion formation is from wearing shoes that do not fit the feet well. High heels and shoes with pointed toes do not allow room for the foot to remain in a natural shape. Forcefully realigning the big toe and creating pressure and abnormal movement on the joint causes bunions to form.
Symptoms
Symptoms of bunions include pain, a bump on the side of the foot--just below the big toe--and calloused skin over the area. The big toe begins to point towards the smaller toes on the foot. The skin may also appear reddened from the friction of the shoes. The pain is worse when bearing weight on the foot. Swelling of the joint may limit the movement of the big toe.
Diagnosis
A physician makes a diagnosis by looking at the foot. Medical conditions that may also cause pain in the toe area, such as gout or arthritis, are ruled out as possible causes. An x-ray of the joint is helpful in evaluating bunions.
Treatment
Treatment for a bunion depends on the severity of the condition. Wearing shoes with adequate space for the feet may end the pain from the condition. Spacers between the toes and felt pads placed on the affected area might help decrease the pain. If noninvasive treatments fail to ease the pain, surgery may be an option. A surgeon can remove the bunion and break the toe to realign it properly. Many different surgical options exist, and the surgeon uses the best operation available, depending on the individual bunion.
Complications
Complications of bunions include pain and limited mobility. Following surgery, complications such as infection, continued pain or a recurrence of the bunion may occur.
