HealthyCanada.com

Overview

A bunion is a bony lump at the base of the big toe. It is an extremely common problem especially among women who wear ill fitting shoes and/or high heels. Bunions can be very painful and while most can be treated at home surgery may be required in severe cases.

Causes

Bunions are a result of a misalignment of the bone at the base of the big toe. This is called over-pronation and is at least in part inherited. When people with over-pronation take a step the ball of their foot tends to hit the ground sooner and harder. As a result more weight and stress is put on the joint which over time may lead to the formation of a bunion.

Some other conditions such as an injury to the foot low arches arthritis and certain neuromuscular disorders can cause bunions to develop. But far and away the biggest single cause is wearing tight narrow shoes or shoes with high heels which force the toes together sometimes to a point where they overlap. If this happens you may also develop corns. Bunions are largely preventable especially in people who are vulnerable to them by using appropriate footwear.

Symptoms

As the big toe rubs against the shoe it becomes irritated and swollen. This causes the skin to become inflamed and sore so much so that it becomes difficult to walk.

Treatment

Sometimes treatment is as simple as buying a new pair of shoes. It is no coincidence that 9 out of 10 women with bunions wear shoes that are too tight or push too much of your weight on the front of your foot as happens with high heels. So it makes sense that wearing shoes that fit better will help resolve the problem.

While the bunion is healing you can put protective pads into your shoes to help ease the pressure when walking. If you have over-pronation you can use an orthotic shoe insert to properly redistribute weight throughout the foot.

As a last resort a surgeon can remove the bunion and realign the joint.

Prevention

Always wear shoes that fit well with plenty of room for the toes. Do not wear high heels. Many high quality running shoe stores now carry a line of excellent walking shoes. No one brand works for everyone so it is important that you discuss with your salesperson the shoe that best works for your type of foot.