Specialties / Services

Bunions

Definition of a bunion (Hallux Valgus); Abduction and valgus of the hallux, adduction of the first metatarsal and lateral subluxation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

What is a Bunion?

Hallux Valgus occurs when the foot bone that joins with the big toe, moves towards the centre of the body.

When the big toe moves inward, a bony prominence on the side of the foot occurs.

Bunions are more common in women than men. Women are more likely to get bunions because they often wear tight-fitting shoes.

Bunions are generally preventable and treated by wearing more appropriate footwear. Bunions rarely require surgery.

What causes a Bunion?

The most common cause of bunions is poor fitting shoes. A family history of bunions will increase your risk of developing them. Some other causes of bunions are:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis, Family history, Hereditary factors
• Weak ligaments in the feet
• Trauma or injury to the feet

Symptoms?

Symptoms of bunions include:

• redness and / or swelling around the big toe joint
• difficulty walking
• pain along the inside margin of the foot.
• increased width of the forefoot
• pain when wearing tight shoes
• second toe may become a “HammerToe”

Can Bunions be prevented?

Yes. The easiest way to prevent bunions is to wear shoes that fit properly and / or foot ORTHOTICS. When a shoe fits properly, the tops of the four smaller toes, should be fairly level with one another when lying flat inside the toe-box.

How are Bunions treated?

There are many different treatments for bunions. Medications, such as ibuprofen can temporarily relieve the pain and inflammation. Change in footwear is a more permanent treatment that will help alleviate the bunion symptoms. Commercial bunion pads and bunion night splints can reduce the size of the bunion and ORTHOTICS can prevent further pathologies from developing. 

In rare or extreme cases, surgery may eventually be required.