What are bunions?

Bunions: Pressure and or congenital deformity, the big toe pushed into the second toe with pain and swelling at the joint. Bunions have a congenital link with lax or loose-joints, & are more common in females. To avoid bone growth, damage and recurrence, no high heels or tight shoes. Surgical treatment is available. See an orthopedic foot specialist or podiatrist.

Hallux Valgus.: Bunions are a progressive structural deformity of the foot characterized by a visible bump on the side of the foot at the base of the great toe as well as a leaning of the big toe into the other toes. X-rays are absolutely necessary to properly evaluate a bunion deformity and guide treatment. The simplest treatment is wearing better shoes. (no high heels). Surgery is sometimes indicated.

Structural deformity: Bunions are a bony prominence. They are progressive, structural deformities. You can improve the symptoms with better shoes, but you can't improve the deformity. My rule of thumb: if the deformity bothers you on a regular basis or is limiting your activity, then surgery is an option to consider. See your foot specialist for evaluation and treatment discussion. Dr l.

Bunion: A bunion is a progressive disorder that is often described as a bump on the side of the big toe joint which may become painful. The visible bump actually reflects changes in the framework of that joint and possibly adjacent joints. In later stages, the big toe may lean towards the second toe which throws the bones out of alignment – producing the bunion’s “bump” which may lead to pain.

Hallux Valgus: That is the medical term for a "bunion" deformity. It is the increased angle of the joint of the great toe resulting in a bony prominence. It can be congenital, or acquired. Some medical conditions that disrupt the joint such as rheumatoid arthritis or neurological conditions (cerebral palsy) can cause it as well. Often it is due to inappropriate shoe wear. Symptoms due to irritation or arthritis.

Bunion: This term usually refers to the enlargement of the bone at the big toe joint. Some of this bone is normal , some is not. The term can also be used for the enlargement at the little toe joint - also called a tailors bunion. See your podiatrist for more info than we can post here as well as treatment options and biomechanical information.