What are bunions?
Bunions are a common foot problem associated with the big toe and the area just behind the big toe (the first metatarsal). They present as a painful “bump” just behind the great toe of one or both feet. As a bunion occurs, there are changes that occur in the foot. These changes may or may not cause pain. Over time the great toe will drift towards the second toe, and then may bump against the second toe and cause the second toe to move up out of the way of the great toe.
What causes a bunion?
There are many caused of bunions, but the most common cause is abnormal biomechanics (The way the foot functions). This is a hereditary problem. Many people will say that their mother or grandmother had the same problem, but that it got a lot worse. Shoes generally do not cause the problem, but can make the bunions worse or at least symptomatic.
What are the symptoms of bunions?
Pain to the joint of the great toe (the first metatarsal phalangeal joint) is the most common and most important. Decrease range of motion to the great toe joint. Difficulty with wearing shoes can also be another symptom. Redness and swelling may also occur as well as numbness or a burning sensation. This can become worse with increased activity or with wearing shoes that may be too tight.
How are bunions diagnosed?
A full evaluation from a foot and ankle surgeon will be warranted because there are many aspects of the foot including: foot type, degree of deformity, arthritis and other symptoms that will be required to be examined to complete a proper evaluation. X-rays are usually required to complete the diagnosis.
How are bunions treated?
In advanced cases where pain and inflammation cannot be eliminated by conservative measures, then a properly selected outpatient surgery might be a benefit with the goal of removing the pain and correcting the deformity. I also suggest that custom molded orthotics are very helpful in preventing reoccurrence of the deformity.
What can I do to prevent them?
Prevention of most foot problems and deformities are to wear good supportive shoes, avoid going barefoot, and stretching the Achilles tendon are very helpful and inexpensive activities. A custom molded orthotic may be helpful in treating the underlying biomechanic problems that are associated with bunions as well.