Bunion
Also
referred to as: Hallux Valgux
What
is it?
A
bunion is the painful swelling of the fluid-filled
sac, called the bursa, at the first joint of the
big toe. A bunion occurs because of a condition
called hallux valgus, a bone displacement in which
the big toe bulges out at the base and the top of
the toe points in toward the second toe. Hallux is
another term for the big toe.
Who
gets it?
Bunions
are more likely to occur in women who wear high
heels with narrow, pointed toes; people who wear
poorly fitting shoes; and people with flat feet.
Some people also tend to put more stress than
normal on the inside of the foot when they run or
walk, making them more prone to bunions. The
tendency toward bunions appears to run in
families.
What
causes it?
Ill-fitting shoes that compress the toes most
often cause hallux valgus and bunions. When the
base of the big toe sticks outward, it rubs
against the shoe. This friction irritates the
bursa, which causes it to become irritated and
swell. As the bunion continues to be irritated,
the bursa continues to swell and a bony growth
develops. This type of friction is also more
likely to occur in people with flat, wide feet.
What
are the symptoms?
A
bunion looks like a swollen, red bony bump at the
base of the big toe. The bunion is painful and the
skin over it becomes thick and calloused from
friction against the shoe. The skin over the
bunion may break down and form an ulcer. Most
people who have bunions have them on both toes.
How is
it diagnosed?
Bunions
and hallux valgus are diagnosed by examination.
Your doctor may also order x-rays to determine the
severity of the condition and to rule out other
causes.
What
is the treatment?
You can
relieve pressure on the bunion by wearing wide,
low-heeled shoes and a special pad over the
bunion. Your doctor can also prescribe special
devices, called orthotics, to support your foot,
correct the toe alignment, and relieve pain.
Anti-inflammatory medication or steroid injections
also relieve inflammation and pain. Severe bunions
are treated with a surgical procedure called a
bunionectomy. This procedure is usually performed
by an orthopedic surgeon, who specializes in the
treatment of injuries to or disorders of the
bones, or a surgeon who specializes in the foot
(podiatry). The surgeon will make an incision over
the bunion and remove any bony growth. He or she
may need to remove part of the bone of your big
toe in order to straighten the toe. After the
surgery, your foot will be wrapped tightly with
bandages or placed in a short cast. While the foot
is bandaged, you will need to wear a special shoe
and may need to use crutches to walk. You will not
be able to do anything that puts pressure or any
stress on the foot until your doctor says it is
okay to resume normal activities. Most
bunionectomies can be performed on an outpatient
basis.
Self-care tips
You can
prevent bunions by wearing comfortable,
well-fitting shoes. If you must wear heels, make
sure the shoe is not tight and narrow at the toes
and try to avoid wearing heels for long periods of
time or walking long distances in the heels. If
you have bunions, wear shoes with a wide toe area.
See your doctor if the bunions make it difficult
to wear shoes or participate in normal activities.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
|
