What Are Bunions
- The big toe is forced to bend towards the 2nd toe causing the prominent lump of bone
- When the bone or soft tissue associated with the big toe joint is out of place, a “bump” forms at the base of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint)
- A similar situation can appear on the outside of the foot at the 5th toe, known as a Tailor’s Bunion
- The first toe joint plays a very important role during gait and is responsible for carrying most of the body's weight while walking
Causes
- Heredity/Genetics
- Injuries or trauma to the area
- Flat feet
- Abnormal pressure
- Improper footwear
- Neuromuscular disorders
Symptoms
- Corns / Calluses
- Swelling
- Pain
- Redness
- Bump on the outside edge of the 1st toe joint
- Restricted motion at the big toe joint
When To Visit A Foot Specialist
- If you have persistent pain around the first toe joint, it’s an indication that podiatric medical attention is necessary
- If the condition goes untreated, bunions tend to get bigger and more painful, making non-surgical treatment less of an option
What Can I Expect During The Visit
- Lower limb physical examination
- Taping/Padding
- Medication
- Ultrasound or Laser Therapy
- Orthotics
- Surgical intervention
Prevention
- Early treatment is always the better option to attempt to stop the progression of the bunion formation
- Shoes with wide + deep toe boxes are recommended
- If you are an individual with excessive flat feet, wear supportive shoes and get custom orthotics from your foot specialist if necessary
- The big toe is forced to bend towards the 2nd toe causing the prominent lump of bone
- When the bone or soft tissue associated with the big toe joint is out of place, a “bump” forms at the base of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint)
- A similar situation can appear on the outside of the foot at the 5th toe, known as a Tailor’s Bunion
- The first toe joint plays a very important role during gait and is responsible for carrying most of the body's weight while walking
Causes
- Heredity/Genetics
- Injuries or trauma to the area
- Flat feet
- Abnormal pressure
- Improper footwear
- Neuromuscular disorders
Symptoms
- Corns / Calluses
- Swelling
- Pain
- Redness
- Bump on the outside edge of the 1st toe joint
- Restricted motion at the big toe joint
When To Visit A Foot Specialist
- If you have persistent pain around the first toe joint, it’s an indication that podiatric medical attention is necessary
- If the condition goes untreated, bunions tend to get bigger and more painful, making non-surgical treatment less of an option
What Can I Expect During The Visit
- Lower limb physical examination
- Taping/Padding
- Medication
- Ultrasound or Laser Therapy
- Orthotics
- Surgical intervention
Prevention
- Early treatment is always the better option to attempt to stop the progression of the bunion formation
- Shoes with wide + deep toe boxes are recommended
- If you are an individual with excessive flat feet, wear supportive shoes and get custom orthotics from your foot specialist if necessary