Bunions

Bunion is a very common condition that can cause annoying symptoms and may lead to further complications in some cases.

Bunions

Bunions are a type of bone deformity that appear in the form of a bony bump at the base of the big toe. They develop on the inside edge of the big toe joint.

Causes and risk factors of bunions

Bunions occur when some of the bones in the anterior part of the foot move out of the normal position, and the reason behind this isn’t clear, but there are some theories about it:

• Inherited foot type.
• Congenital defects.
• Injuries or stress on the foot.
• The risk of bunions increases due to the following factors: genes, high heels, shoes that don’t fit well, the way the person walks, standing for a long time, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms of bunions

• A growth on the outside of the base of the big toe.
• Pain and swelling of the big toe.
• Redness or discoloration.
• Corns or calluses.
• Stiffness or limited movement of the big toe.
• Hard skin on the foot sole.
• Difficulty in wearing certain types of shoes.
• Bunions can lead to bursitis, hammertoe (an irregular bend in the middle joint of a toe, usually in the toe next to the big one), and metatarsalgia.

Diagnosis of bunions

• Asking about the symptoms.
• Physical exam.

Treatment of bunions

Treating bunions depends on the case. Treatments include:

• Changing the shoes.
• Add pads between the bunion and the shoes.
• Orthotic devices.
• Pain medications.
• Surgery in some cases.
• To decrease the risk of bunions, choose the shoes carefully.