What is a Bunion?

A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, is a bony lump that forms at the base of your big toe. It’s a common foot condition that affects both men and women.

Bunions are caused by a structural problem that causes the bone in your big toe to bend inwards and push against the adjacent toe. Bunion surgery may be needed if pain or other problems persist, especially when conservative treatments haven’t worked.

Causes

Bunions occur when the base of your big toe, called the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP joint), changes its shape. It pushes against your other toes, sometimes causing them to bend inward.

Many people develop bunions due to faulty foot structure, which is often inherited. Other causes of bunions include changing weight, wearing shoes that don’t fit properly, and pregnancy.

Walking too 拇趾外翻 much or standing for long periods can also make a bunion worse. This is called overpronation, and it’s a condition that can damage the MTP joint over time.

To prevent a bunion from forming, wear shoes that are roomy and have wide toe boxes. Avoid high-heeled or pointed-toe shoes that put pressure on your big toe. You can also wear protective pads or devices that separate your toes, such as spacers or orthotic inserts in your shoes.

Symptoms

A bunion is a red, swollen bump on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe. It can be painful and make it hard to wear shoes.

It occurs when the metatarsal bone (the largest bone in the foot) pushes outward against the phalangeal bone (the second largest bone). The joint may also become enlarged.

This is a common condition that can affect men and women of all ages. Some people are more prone to bunions than others.

There are many ways to manage the pain of a bunion and prevent it from getting worse. Treatments include wearing wide-toed shoes, avoiding footwear that puts too much pressure on the foot and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen.

Some patients may require surgery to correct the deformity of their foot. If the bunion is very painful or interferes with daily activity, your GP might recommend surgery.

Diagnosis

A bunion is a common foot deformity that is often misdiagnosed. Bunions can be painful and difficult to treat if left untreated.

A physical exam of the feet and toes can help your doctor diagnose a bunion. They can also use X-rays to examine the alignment of your foot bones.

The doctor can then decide the best treatment approach for you. They may recommend medications to reduce pain and inflammation, or ice packs and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control swelling.

If these treatments fail, surgery is an option. Bunion surgery corrects the foot’s misalignment by reshaping or fusing a joint together.

The doctor will select a surgical procedure that is most appropriate for the patient’s age, medical history, symptoms and foot anatomy. The most common types of bunion surgery include akin osteotomy, chevron osteotomy and scarf osteotomy. These surgeries can relieve the pain and discomfort of a bunion. They can also restore normal function and help the big toe move back into place.

Treatment

There are several treatment options for bunions that can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and keep them from getting worse. These include medications and lifestyle changes.

Medications may include anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, that can reduce pain and swelling. Ice packs are also useful for reducing inflammation and pain.

Other treatments include padding and taping. These help the foot move back to its normal position, which helps reduce pressure and stress on the bunion and the surrounding tissue.

Surgery may be recommended if nonsurgical treatment methods fail to provide adequate relief or if the bunion causes severe pain or interference with activities of daily living. The doctor can recommend one of several surgical procedures, including removal of the bunion and realignment of the joint.

Other causes of bunions include arthritic disease, flat feet and other conditions that put extra pressure on the big toe. Wearing high-heeled shoes or tight-fitting footwear can also make them more likely to develop.

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