Bunions
A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe.
A bunion, also referred to as hallux valgus, is a bony protrusion that develops on the joint at the base of the big toe. This condition arises when the bones at the front of the foot become misaligned, causing the big toe to angle inward toward the smaller toes.
While bunions are most frequently found on the big toe due to additional pressure, they can also develop on other toes and for various reasons. Tailor’s Bunions, also known as bunionettes, are commonly observed in our practice.
Tailor’s bunions appear at the base of the pinky toe and are typically caused by wearing improperly fitting shoes or engaging in activities that press the little toe toward the other toes.
Bunions are pretty prevalent. Experts estimate that approximately one-third of Americans have bunions!
Causes
There’s not just one reason why bunions develop. Bunions can form through a combination of factors like:
family history
abnormal bone structure
restrictive shoe choices
When something puts extra pressure on your big toe joint for a long time, that pressure can push your joint out of its natural alignment and toward your other toes. Eventually, a bunion forms on your toe joint as your body compensates for your toe being pushed out of its usual place.
Diagnosing
To diagnose bunions, we start with a physical exam of the foot. Due to their prominent nature, bunions can be diagnosed relatively easy. We will take x-rays of your feet to assess your bone structure and review potential risk factors.
Symptoms
The most obvious symptom of a bunion is the visible, painful growth that forms at the base of your big toe. A bunion can cause other symptoms, including:
pain or stiffness
swelling
limited movement of big toe
hammertoes if left untreated
numbness
Treatment
Our top treatment for bunions are custom orthotics. We will craft an insert tailored to your unique needs, adding support and cushioning to alleviate stress on your MPJ.
To manage pain, we can prescribe NSAIDs to reduce inflammation. We also perform laser therapy for pain relief. This helps to improve circulation and offset symptoms like numbness, tingling, and tension.