Bunions
What is a bunion?
Bunions are the most common forefoot problem present in adults, which typically increases with age. Bunions don’t always cause pain but if you find yours is causing you discomfort, pain or it’s limiting your regular activities, there are things that you can do to improve and manage this problem.
A bunion is a common deformity affecting the big toe joint. Medically it is known as ‘Hallux Valgus’. It is effectively osteoarthritis of the joint, causing the big toe joint to change shape. Visually, bunions can be classified from normal, mild, moderate to severe. However, the more severe it looks does not mean that it will be more painful or limiting.
Bunions can be divided into two types:
- Type one: Footwear related bunions – usually there is a bony prominence which rubs on the shoe, causing it to become red and painful.
- Type two: Similar to type one, but a deep joint pain will also be experienced.
Symptoms may include:
- A change in the shape of the big toe joint. Not everyone will get pain, but those who do may describe anything from a toothache-like pain, to a sharp, searing pain.
- The bunion may cause problems with footwear which in turn, causes rubbing on the skin: which can become very red and painful on the surface.
- There may be a deep pain in the big toe joint itself
- A reduction in the movement of the big toe joint may be experienced.
- It is not uncommon to experience clicking of the joint, which may or may not be painful
Factors that may play a role in the development of bunions:
There are multiple causes of bunions. Bunions tend to run in families and the most likely cause is the shape of the bones in your foot. For example, if your metatarsal head (the bone just behind the base of your big toe) is very rounded, it will make it easier for the joint to turn to the side when sideways pressure is applied. That sideways pressure usually comes from footwear. Though it is not a cause in itself, footwear will apply the force to make the bunion develop.