May 06 2008
What is a bunion?
Most people think a bunion is a bone growth or a bone spur because of the large prominence which develops on the inside of the big toe joint. Unfortunately, bunions are much more complex. A bunion is a bone deformity at the big toe (great toe) joint which results from a structural change in the foot. The long bone on the inside of the foot (1st metatarsal) moves towards the center line of the body and the big toe moves towards the small toes. This movement occurs gradually over time causing a bump to form at the big toe joint.
SYMPTOMS: The changes in the foot occur gradually over time. Many people may not notice the changes in their feet until a number of years after the process has started. It’s common to notice a small bump at the big toe before experiencing pain. When pain does accompany the bump, it is typically a deep, dull, achy pain. The pain is generally worse with tight shoes, high heels and long periods of standing and walking. Some may have a very minimal bunion deformity and experience a lot of pain, while others may have a large bunion deformity and experience no pain.
TREATMENTS: There are very few conservative treatments for bunions. Proper shoe fit in association with padding can help alleviate any pressure type pain. A rigid shoe with a rocker sole may help diminish pain when walking. Prefabricated or custom made orthotics can help control abnormal motion in the foot (generally pronation) which may slow the progression of the deformity and make walking more comfortable.
SURGERY: When the pain becomes limiting and conservative therapies have failed, surgery may be recommended. The most common type of surgery is to operate at the big toe, cutting the bone and sliding it over into a better position.
This is not the only type of bunion surgery. For more severe bunions and especially bunions associated with hypermobility (excess motion) more advanced procedures are usually required.
MORE information and pictures on bunions, bunion treatments, bunion surgery and bunion hypermobility.