A bunion is an enlargement of the bony bump at the base of the big toe.
This bony bump may become red and swollen, resembling a turnip.
As the bump becomes larger the big toe moves toward the smaller toes. Less commonly, a bunion may be located on the outside of the little toe.
This bony bump may become red and swollen, resembling a turnip.
As the bump becomes larger the big toe moves toward the smaller toes. Less commonly, a bunion may be located on the outside of the little toe.
Stages of Bunion Development
The deformity is caused by the connective MTP joint’s bone or tissue moving out of aligbnment- creating a bump or enlargement at the joint.
NORMAL
HVA < 10°
IMA < 9°
A normal foot with no abnormalities.
HVA = Hallux Valgus Angle IMA = Intermetatarsal Angle
MILD
10° ≤ HVA < 15°
9° ≤ IMA < 11°
Formation of Bunion
“Bump” can be seen on the base of the big toe.
MODERATE
15° ≤ HVA < 20°
11° ≤ IMA < 18°
Absence of Gap Between Toes
The big toe presses against the second toe.
SEVERE
20° ≤ HVA
18° ≤ IMA
Complete Destruction of Toe Alignment
The big toe moves under the second toe.
Development of the Deformity
Steps in the development of Hallux Valgus
We can classify bunions as:
MILD
Mild bunion without significant deformity or pain.
MODERATE
Prominent bunion joint with the big toe crowding the smaller toes. Can result in callus around the ball of the foot and some discomfort in the big toe.
SEVERE
Progression of the bunion can cause hammer toe deformity, pain on the ball of the foot or arthritis within the big toe joint.
Both genetics and lifestyle habits can lead to developing a bunion.
RISK FACTORS
- Footwear (high heeled shoes with a narrow toe box do not cause the onset of the bunion, but worsen the symptoms)
- Foot structure (flat foot)
- Metabolic Syndrome (ex. Rheumatoid Arthritis)
- Age (Most common in seniors)
- Trauma
- Genetics (Down syndrome)
SIGNS
- Difficulty wearing regular shoes
- Corns or calluses (thickened skin)
- Hammertoes (painful, tight toe tendons and joints)
- Numbness in the big toe
- Redness and swelling around the big toe joint
Bunion won’t go away on its own!
Once developed, bunion cannot be fully reversed naturally.
However, there are non-operative treatments that can provide relief from pain and prevent the bunion from worsening or growing.
1.
Footwear
Wear wide shoes with a wide toebox and insoles. Get better arch support in your shoes through arch support insoles.
2.
Surgery
A bunion may be removed through surgical procedures.
3.
Corrector
Wear a protective pad, toe separator, or use a bunion splint.
4.
Exercise
Stretching and physical therapy will help relieve the pain from bunions.
• If the pain persists, we recommend that you speak to your doctor about operative treatments.