A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe, the metatarsophalangeal joint, (MTP Joint) that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. The big toe bends toward the others, causing a painful lump of bone on the foot. Since this joint carries a lot of the body’s weight while walking, bunions can cause extreme pain if left untreated. The joint may become stiff and sore, making even the wearing of shoes difficult.

Bunions can also occur on the outside of the foot along the little toe, where it is called a bunionette or tailor’s bunion.

The most prominent symptom of bunions is the development of a firm bump on the outside edge of the foot, at the base of the big toe. Other symptoms include redness, swelling, or pain at or near the metatarsophalangeal joint. Other signs of bunions are corns and irritations caused by the overlap of the first and second toes. Bunions are also accompanied with restricted or painful motion of the big toe.

Bunions form when the normal balance of forces that are exerted on the joints and tendons of the foot become disrupted. This can lead to instability of the joint and cause the deformity. They develop from years of abnormal motion and pressure over the metatarsophalangeal joint. They are a symptom of faulty foot development and are usually caused by the way we walk, and our inherited foot type, our shoes, or other contributing sources.

Bunions tend to run in families, it is the foot type that is passed sown –not the bunion. Parents who suffer from poor foot mechanics can pass their problematic foot type on to children, who, in turn, are also prone to developing bunions.

Other causes of bunions are foot injuries, neuromuscular disorders, or congenital deformities. People who suffer from flat feet or low arches are also prone to developing these problems, as are arthritic patients and those with inflammatory joint disease. Occupations that place undue stress on the feet can be a factor: Ballet dancers, for instance, often develop the condition. Wearing shoes tat are too tight or cause the toes to be squeezed together is also a common contributing factor, one that explains the high prevalence of the disorder among women.

Apply a commercial, non-medicated bunion pad around the bony prominence. Wear shoes with a wide and deep toe box. If the bunion is inflamed and painful, apply ice packs several times a day to reduce swelling.

Avoid high-heeled shoes over two inches tall. Visit a podiatric physician.

Treatment options vary with the type and severity of each bunion, although identifying the deformity early in its development is important in avoiding surgery. Podiatric medical attention should be sought at the first indication of pain or discomfort. If untreated bunions tend to get larger and more painful, making non-surgical treatment less of an option. The primary goal of most early treatment options, and post surgical, is to relieve pressure on the bunion and halt the progression of the joint deformity. Common conservative treatments consist of padding and taping, Medications, Physical Therapy, and Orthotics.

When early treatments fail or the bunion progresses past the threshold for such options, podiatric surgery may become necessary to relieve pressure and repair the toe joint.

Several surgical procedures are available. The surgery will remove the bony enlargement, restore, the normal alignment of the toe joint, and relieve pain. A simple bunionectomy, in which only the bony prominence is removed, may be used for the less severe deformity. Severe bunions require a more involved procedure, which includes cutting the bone and realigning the joint. Recuperation takes time, and swelling and some discomfort are common for several months following surgery. Pain is easily managed with medications.