Bunions

Joanne was an avid runner in junior high. She developed pain in her foot so severe that doctors thought bunionectomy surgery was her only option. Recovery from the surgery was long and kept her on crutches for 6 months. She deals with issues related to the surgery to this day, some 20 years later.

Carolyn lived with bunions for years.  Besides the pain, they were so unsightly that she was embarrassed to go shoe shopping.

Terry was trying to get 10,000 steps a day, but her bunions caused a burning sensation that made her not want to walk at all.

Do these stories sound familiar? It's estimated that 1 in 3 people are affected to some degree by bunions. Let's take a closer look.

There are several clear indicators that you may have bunions, otherwise technically known as Hallux Valgus. The most obvious is a bony bump at the base of the big toe, which can vary in size. This lump is formed by a misalignment of the toe joint and often becomes more pronounced over time.

Bunions can lead to discomfort and pain in the big toe, especially when wearing shoes that are tight or do not provide adequate support. This discomfort can range from a dull ache to sharp, intense pain, particularly during activities that place pressure on the feet, such as walking or standing for extended periods.

In addition to pain, you may notice swelling and redness around the bunion. This inflammation can result from irritation of the surrounding tissues and may worsen after wearing shoes that constrict the foot.

Limited mobility in the affected area is also common, making it difficult to move the big toe normally or fully bend it.

As bunions progress, other foot issues can arise, including the development of calluses and corns, which may form on the bunion itself or between the toes where there is increased friction.

Bunions can lead to a misalignment of the toes, with the big toe potentially shifting toward the second toe. This misalignment can result in an irregular toe position and can contribute to additional discomfort or complications, such as hammertoe or arthritis in the joints of the toes.

Bunions, also known as congenital hallux valgus, can occur in children, but they are more commonly developed later in childhood or during adulthood. Approximately one-third of adults in the United States have bunions, with a higher prevalence in women than men, likely due to differences in footwear, particularly high heels.

The exact causes of bunions are often unclear, but scientists believe they may result from a combination of inherited factors and lifestyle choices. A person may be genetically predisposed to bunions due to their foot structure, and wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the condition. High heels and shoes with narrow toe boxes are particularly risky.

Other risk factors include certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as flat feet. Additionally, rare genetic syndromes, such as fibrodysplasia and progressive ossification, may also contribute to the development of bunions.

The development of bunions is also thought to be hereditary, and the risk of developing bunions is greater for first degree relatives. So, if your mother or father both have bunions, you may as well.

Bunions can best be avoided by wearing the correct footwear. Shoes should have a wide toe box and little arch support. High heels and pointed toe shoes should be avoided.

Custom or store bought orthotics can be worn to help support and alleviate pressure on pain, but you must be careful to avoid weakening the foot arch.

Pads, tapes, pain medications, and ice therapies may all help with pain, but these are temporary solutions.

In some cases, surgical treatments may be necessary. These include:

Bunionectomy (removal of the bony prominence and realignment of the toe.

Osteotomy (cutting and realigning the bones in the foot to correct the deformity.)

Athrodesis (fusion of the foot joint for stabilization)

Of course, if a bunion requires this level of treatment, consulting a health professional if the best course of action.