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A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe called the metatarsophalangeal
(MTP) joint, that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. This forces the toe to bend toward the other toes on the same foot, causing an often painful lump of bone on the innermost side of the affected foot. The MTP joint carries the majority of the body’s weight while walking, so when a bunion forms, it can cause extreme pain if left untreated. The MTP joint itself may become stiff and sore, making even the wearing of shoes difficult or impossible. Bunions, derived from the Latin
"bunio," meaning enlargement, can also occur on the outside of the foot along the little toe, where it is called a
"bunionette" or "tailor’s bunion."
The symptoms of a bunion include the development of a firm bump on the outside edge of the foot, at the base of the big toe, redness, swelling, or pain at or near the MTP joint, corns or other irritations caused by the overlap of the first and second toes, and restricted or painful motion of the big toe.
Causes
Bunions form when the normal balance of force exerted on the joints and tendons of the foot becomes disrupted. This can lead to instability in the joint and cause the deformity. Bunions are brought about by years of abnormal motion and pressure over the MTP joint. Bunion are a symptom of faulty foot development and are ususally caused by the way we walk, and our inherited foot type, our shoes, or other causes.
Bunions tend to run in families due to the heredity of foot types. Parents who suffer from poor foot mechanics can pass their problematic foot type on to their children, who, in turn, are also prone to developing bunions. The abnormal functioning caused by this faulty foot development can lead to pressure being exerted on and within the foot, often resulting in bone and joint deformities such as bunions and hammertoes.
Other causes of bunions include: foot injuries, neuromuscular disorders, or congenital deformities. People with flat feet, low arches, arthritis, or inflammatory joint disease are also prone to developing bunions. Occupations that place undue stress on the feet are also a factor; ballet dancers, for instance, often develop the condition. Wearing shoes that are too tight or cause the toes to be squeezed together is also a common cause of bunions, one that explains the high prevalence of the disorder among women.
Treatment
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Apply a commercial, nonmedicated bunion pad around the bony prominence.
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Wear shoes with a wide and deep toe box.
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If your bunion becomes inflamed and painful, apply ice packs several times a day to reduce swelling.
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Avoid high-heeled shoes (heels over two inches tall).
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See your podiatric physician if pain persists.
Treatment options vary with the type and severity of each bunion, although identifying the deformity early in its development is important in avoiding surgery. Podiatric medical attention should be sought at the first indication of pain or discomfort because, left untreated, bunions tend to get larger and more painful, making nonsurgical treatment less of
an option
The primary goal of most early treatment options is to relieve pressure on the bunion and halt the progression of the joint deformity. A podiatric physician may recommend these treatments:
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Padding & Taping -
Often the first step in a treatment plan, padding the bunion minimizes pain and allows the patient to continue a normal, active life. Taping helps keep the foot in a normal position, thus reducing stress and pain.
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Medication -
Anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections are often prescribed to ease the acute pain and inflammations caused by joint deformities.
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Physical Therapy -
Often used to provide relief of the inflammation and from bunion pain. Ultrasound therapy is a popular technique for treating bunions and their associated soft tissue involvement.
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Orthotics -
Shoe inserts called orthotics, may be useful in controlling foot function and may reduce symptoms and prevent worsening of the deformity.
When early treatments fail or the bunion progresses past the threshold for such options, podiatric surgery may become necessary to relieve pressure and repair the toe joint.
Several surgical procedures are available to the podiatric physician. The surgery will remove the bony enlargement, restore the normal alignment of the toe joint, and relieve pain.
A simple bunionectomy, in which only the bony prominence is removed, may be used for the less severe deformity. Severe bunions may require a more involved procedure, which includes cutting the bone and realigning the joint.
Recuperation takes time, and swelling and some discomfort are common for several weeks following surgery. Pain, however, is easily managed with medications prescribed by your podiatric physician.
 Corns
Corns
develop from thick, hardened dead skin layers, resulting from
the application of constant pressure and friction to the area.
They contain a core, which can cause pain from pressure on a
nerve below it. Corns often develop on feet that have bunions,
as the bunion causes misalignment of the toes, and allows
pressure and friction rubbing to irritate the toes. Wearing
properly fitting shoes and socks may prevent and help to treat
corns. Over the counter corn removal preparations should be
avoided. If corns develop, see your podiatric physician for
treatment options. |
