Bunions (Hallux Valgus) – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Surgery and Recovery

Bunions are a widespread ailment often caused by wearing tight or narrow shoes or simply as a result of an inherited structural defect in the foot. Also known as Hallux Valgus, a bunion is a bony bump formed at the base of the big toe on the inside of the foot. They can cause significant pain and should be treated to prevent problematic side effects. Read on to understand:

• What is a Bunion?
• Common Symptoms
• Typical Causes of Bunions
• Treatments for a Bunion
• Bunion Surgery Recovery

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A bunion is a deformity of the foot at the metatarsophalangeal joint, which is the joint that connects the big toe to the foot. This joint, also known as the MTP Joint or “big toe joint,” helps distribute body weight on the foot while walking, running, or standing. A bunion is formed when the foot bones are pushed into an unnatural shape (1). Over time, the big toe deviates toward the other toes and the base of the big toe protrudes. This is known as the hallux valgus deformity. Excess pressure on this joint causes enlargement on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe.

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Common Symptoms

• Your big toe points toward your second toe, or your second toe overlaps your big toe
• A prominent bump on the inside of the MTP or big toe joint
• Pain on the inside of your foot at the big toe joint when wearing any kind of shoe
• Pain each time the big toe flexes when walking
• Redness, swelling , or thickening of the skin on the inside of the big toe joint
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Bunions are a widespread foot ailment that can be caused by a number of factors including genetics, excess weight gain, activity level, and ill-fitting shoes (2). Other less common causes of bunions include trauma to the MTP joint (sprains, fractures, and nerve injuries), neuromuscular disorders, and limb-length discrepancies. Some studies report that bunions tend to occur ten times more frequently in women than in men, primarily as the result of wearing narrow, pointy, tight fitting, and/or high-heeled shoes over a significant period of time. Repetitive stresses to the foot can also cause bunions (3).
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Change your footwear! Relief from bunion pain can be as simple as changing the type of shoes you wear. Overall, wearing shoes that give the foot and toes ample room to move is the simplest way to prevent discomfort from bunions and are one of the most common bunion treatments. Ample space for the toes will prevent the big toe from being overcrowded, and ultimately pushing against the smaller toes (4).

Tips for proper shoe fit:

• Size varies among brands, so be sure to judge the shoe by how it fits on your foot rather that the size marked on the shoe
• Find a shoe that is similar to the shape of your foot.
• Measure your feet regularly. The size of your feet tend to change as you grow older.
• Be sure to stand during the fitting process.
• Make sure you can extend all of your toes and that there is adequate space for your longest toe.
• Walk in the shoe to make sure it feels right.

Shoes can also be stretched to relieve bunion discomfort. Bunion pads made from silicone can be used to line the area that presses against the bunion, relieving pain and preventing further deformity.

If discomfort is still prevalent, consider visiting an orthopedist who can provide custom-made insole orthotics. Orthotics will ensure proper alignment of the foot and will reduce pressure on the bunion, making them very good among bunion treatments (5).

Taping your bunion can also reduce the amount of pressure on the inflamed joint. Likewise, taping will help ensure that your foot is properly aligned. Consider visiting a medical professional or physical therapist to demonstrate the most beneficial and proper taping technique.

Anti-inflammatory Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can help to ease bunion inflammation and pain

Hot/Cold Bunion Therapy: Alternating ice and applying heat to a bunion can provide temporary pain relief caused by a bunion and may also help to reduce any swelling or bursitis in the big toe joint.

Castor Oil. Castor Oil is known as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain reliving) holistic remedy and has been known to relieve the discomfort resulting from a bunion.  Wrap a castor oil-soaked cloth around the foot ensuring the castor oil is in contact with the bunion. Then wrap the entire foot with plastic wrap. Finally, place a hot compress on the inflamed area for approximately 30 minutes.

Cortisone Injections: Inflammation of the joint at the base of the big toe and the pain associated with it can sometimes be relieved with a local injection of cortisone, a strong steroid used to reduce inflammation.

Acupuncture: This Chinese medical practice involving the insertion of needles at specified sites of the body has been shown to alleviate the pain caused by bunions.

1. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/bunions/
2. https://www.jbrclinicalresearch.com/2014/12/6-common-bunions/
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/310096.php
4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/what-to-do-about-bunions
5. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-ways-to-ease-your-bunions-without-surgery/
6. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/bunion-surgery/
7. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/bunion-surgery
8. https://www.podiatrytoday.com/article/8901