Bunions

Overview

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It occurs when some of the bones in the front part of your foot move out of place. This causes the tip of your big toe to get pulled toward the smaller toes and forces the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out. The skin over the bunion might be red and sore.

Wearing tight, narrow shoes might cause bunions or make them worse. Bunions can also develop as a result of the shape of your foot, a foot deformity or a medical condition, such as arthritis.

Smaller bunions (bunionettes) can develop on the joint of your little toe.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a bunion include:

1.A bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe

2.Swelling, redness or soreness around your big toe joint

3.Corns or calluses — these often develop where the first and second toes rub against each other

4.Ongoing pain or pain that comes and goes

5.Limited movement of your big toe

When to see a doctor

Although bunions often require no medical treatment, see your doctor or a doctor who specializes in treating foot disorders (podiatrist or orthopedic foot specialist) if you have:

1.Ongoing big toe or foot pain

2.A visible bump on your big toe joint

3.Decreased movement of your big toe or foot

4.Difficulty finding shoes that fit properly because of a bunion

Causes

There are many theories about how bunions develop, but the exact cause is unknown. Factors likely include:

1.Inherited foot type

2.Foot stress or injuries

3.Deformities present at birth

Experts disagree on whether tight, high-heeled or too-narrow shoes cause bunions or whether footwear simply contributes to the development of bunions.

Bunions might be associated with certain types of arthritis, particularly inflammatory types, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Risk factors

These factors might increase your risk of bunions:

1.High heels. Wearing high heels forces your toes into the front of your shoes, often crowding your toes.

2.Ill-fitting shoes. People who wear shoes that are too tight, too narrow or too pointed are more likely to develop bunions.

3.Rheumatoid arthritis. Having this inflammatory condition can make you more likely to develop bunions.

4.Heredity. The tendency to develop bunions might be the result of an inherited problem with the structure or anatomy of your foot.

Complications

Possible complications of bunions include:

1.Bursitis. This painful condition occurs when the small fluid-filled pads that cushion the bones near your joints become inflamed.

2.Hammertoe. An abnormal bend that occurs in the middle joint of a toe, usually the toe next to your big toe, can cause pain and pressure.

3.Metatarsalgia. This condition causes pain and swelling in the ball of your foot.

Prevention

To help prevent bunions, choose shoes carefully. They should have a wide toe box — no pointy toes — and there should be space between the tip of your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

Your shoes should conform to the shape of your feet without squeezing or pressing any part of your foot.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis is usually possible by observing and examining the bunion.

A healthcare provider can also use physical examination and X-rays to diagnose the presence of bunions. An X-ray will indicate the severity of the bunion and help direct the next stage of treatment.

Home remedies

1.Appropriately fitting footwear: Shoes that leave sufficient space inside for the toes can relieve pressure.

2.Foot measuring: A good shoe shop will measure your feet and advise on suitable footwear options.

3.Shoe inserts: Also known as orthotics, inserts relieve pressure on the toe. Orthotics are available for purchase online.

4.Padding, taping, or splinting of the toe: This can help provide support and reduce irritation.

5.Avoiding activities that increase pain: These activities might include standing for a long period of time or playing contact sports.

6.Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling.

Treatment

Two main options are available to actively treat bunion: Medications and surgery.

Medication

Medication can help with pain and swelling.

1.Pain-relieving medications: Ibuprofen, for example, can reduce pain and swelling. They are available over-the-counter.

2.Cortisone injections: These can relieve swelling, particularly in the fluid-filled pads that cushion the bones. A doctor will advise about these.

Surgery

Some people with bunions may need surgery.

When bunions require surgery, several different procedures are available.

Surgery may be suitable for people who:

1.experience pain and inflammation that does not improve with other treatments

2.have a deformity severe enough that the toe may cross over another toe

3.cannot bend or straighten a toe, due to stiffness

Bunion surgery very rarely occurs in younger people with bunions.

How do you get bunions to go away?

The only way to permanently remove bunions is surgery, sometimes called a bunionectomy. There are a few different ways to surgically remove a bunion, and all are common. Your podiatrist will take a look at your foot to determine the best approach to help you find permanent bunion relief.

Will a bunion go away on its own?

Bunions won't go away without treatment. If left untreated, bunions get worse. Treatment is geared to slow the progression of the bunion and reduce the pain. Yet, there are some cases where a doctor suggests a bunionectomy.

How do you get rid of bunions without surgery?

Treating bunions without surgery

1.Maintain a healthy weight.

2.Protect the bunion with a moleskin or gel-filled pad, which you can buy at a drugstore.

3.Use shoe inserts to help position the foot correctly. ...

4.Under a doctor's guidance, wear a splint at night to hold the toe straight and ease discomfort.

What are good shoes to wear if you have bunions?

The recommendation is to wear wide shoes with a mesh or fabric material which can decrease pressure to the bunion," explains Dr. Atway. "Materials that can stretch and conform are best for bunions and other bony prominences. Mesh, soft leather, and materials that can stretch are best."

Is walking good for bunions?

Walking along the beach.

This can give you a gentle foot massage and also help strengthen your toes. Khan notes that this is especially beneficial for people who have arthritis associated with their bunions.