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What's a bunion? -

When the big toe is pulled out of line, towards the other toes rather than straight ahead, a bony lump can form at the main big toe joint. This is called a bunion.

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What's a bunion? -

A bunion forms over time with repeated bending, as the bone alignment is continually challenged, which can lead to painful results.

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Changing shape -

A bunion, or hallux valgus as it's also known, can cause the feet to change shape. When a bunion develops, the feet become angled.

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Slow development -

As many bunions develop slowly over time, a person who has one forming might not notice any problems. However, others can find the area becomes inflamed, calloused, or causes pain.

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Who is affected? -

People of every age, ethnicity, and fitness level can unfortunately suffer from bunions. Generally, they seem to be more common among women and the elderly.

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An acquired deformity -

Despite the fact a bunion is an acquired deformity, they're commonly found to run in families. This is because leg shape and foot structure are passed down.

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Foot size and shape -

People with flat feet, low arches, or loose joints are more likely to suffer from bunions. Foot injuries, congenital deformities, and leg length variation can also be a factor.

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Causes -

Certain types of shoes we wear can also lead to dreaded bunions. Shoes that are too tight, or ones that have high heels, seem to make the problem even worse.

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Causes -

This is because these types of shoes squeeze the toes together and when this happens, they are forced towards the top of the front part of the shoe.

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Foot shape -

The shape of the foot also plays a role in the likelihood of developing a bunion. There are three main categories of foot shape.

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Foot shape -

Greek shape where the second toe is longer than the big toe, Egyptian where the big toe is bigger than the four lesser toes, and Square where the first and second toes are the same length.

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Egyptian foot shape -

Those with an Egyptian foot shape are more likely to suffer from bunions compared to the others, as more stress is placed on the big toe.

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Medical conditions -

Certain medical conditions can cause pain that resembles a bunion. Those suffering from gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or bursitis may experience similar symptoms.

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Anatomical causes -

Flat feet stand off-center and outwards, increasing the amount of pressure placed on the big toe. Increased muscle close to the site of the joint, due to increased use, can also contribute to bunion formation.

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Early signs -

Bunions might not be visible at their earliest stage. However, you might experience pain or swelling in your big toe, as well as swelling, irritation, or redness around the big toe joint.

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Early signs -

Clearer signs might include a bump on the side of your big toe, or a toe being overturned at an angle/overlapping with another toe.

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Early signs -

Thickened skin might be present at the base of the big toe, and the first or second toe might have calluses or corns due to the toes being cramped and experiencing friction.

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Bunion pain -

The pain caused by bunions is experienced differently by different people. It might only occasionally flare up, or it might be more frequent and feel mild to severe.

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Bunion pain -

For instance, some people experience pain in their big toe at night only, while for others, the pain will extend to the ball of their foot during the day.

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Nerves and crowding -

If the joint suffering from a bunion is pressed against a nerve, this can cause shooting pain. Where toes are cramped, crowding might occur, leading to a painful condition called hammertoe.

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Prevention -

Wearing comfortable footwear, strengthening the feet, and keeping a close eye on them for any changes will help to prevent bunions, or catch them early.

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Treatment options -

If you discover a bunion, your doctor can discuss treatment options with you. Surgery is not usually required in most cases.

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Treatment options -

If the pain is seriously impacting the patient's life in a negative way, however, surgical removal is also an option.

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At-home relief -

Massaging the feet and using heat therapy such as hot water can bring relief at home. Wearing shoe inserts can lessen friction, and taking ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation.

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At-home relief -

Icing the feet can also help to bring some relief, reducing both inflammation and the pain associated with it. Avoiding activities that will increase the pain is also advised.

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Pharmacy products -

Padding, taping, or splinting the toe is made possible by products sold over the counter at pharmacies. It's important to remember this is only a temporary solution.

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How to know if you have one -

As a bunion can present with symptoms similar to other joint-related complaints, you might need an official diagnosis to make sure it's what you're suffering from.

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See a podiatrist -

If you suspect it's a bunion that's causing you ongoing pain, it's time to make an appointment to see your podiatrist.

Sources: (Medical News Today) (Health Partners) (Health Direct) (Piedmont)

See also: What does the shape of your toes reveal about you?

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