Hallux Valgus or bunions are a common problem that show up as a painful swelling or a bony protuberance at the inner base of the big toe. It develops in the inside of the foot at the big toe joint and develops slowly over time.
Causes
Bunions form when the bones that make up the toe joint called the MTP joint move out of alignment. The large bone in the toe joint, metatarsal, shifts outwards and the small phalanx bones shift towards the second toe
- Hereditary
- Secondary to wearing high-heeled or narrow toe-box shoes
- Pressure to the base of the big toe which cause the top of the big toe to lean towards the second toe
- Mostly common in women but can happen to anyone
- Prior inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis
Symptoms
- Tenderness and Pain
- Swelling
- Abnormal position of the first toe
- Severe bunions may angle over or under the second toe
- Inflammation
- Redness
- Stiffness or decreased motion in the big toe
- Difficulty walking
- Hardened skin on the bottom of the foot
Diagnosis
Physical Exam
- Doctor will examine your foot
- Ask about your medical history
- General health
- Symptoms
X-Ray’s
Treatment
Nonsurgical
- Orthotics
- Ice on and off for 15 minutes. This will help reduce inflammation
- The proper footwear is also essential in relieving the discomfort of bunions. Narrow-toed shoes and high-heeled shoes should be avoided. Sandals or wider shoes with padded heels should be considered instead.
- If the bunion is small, padding inside the shoe is another option. There are a variety of effective pads and toe spacers available on the market to help prevent the big toe from moving outward. The pads can also help to relieve the pressure against the bunion while wearing shoes.
- Medications such as NSAIDS
Surgical
- Bunionectomy
If Left Untreated….
- If left untreated, bunions can worsen over time and cause considerable difficulty in walking, discomfort, and skin problems such as corns. In some cases, a small bursa (fluid-filled sac) near the joint becomes inflamed. This condition is known as bursitis and can cause additional redness, swelling, and pain.
- Less frequently, bunions occur at the base of the fifth toe. When this occurs, it is called a “tailor’s bunion” or bunionette.
Prevention
- Wearing proper footwear
- Avoiding Tight shoewear
