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What are bunions?

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The word bunion is the name given to the outward bump seen on the joint of the base of the big toe.

The condition arises as the big toe begins to slant inwards, towards the other toes. It pivots on the joint at its base and the joint can become swollen and the skin around it irritated.

Eventually, the big toe can end up under (or sometimes over) the second or even third toe. The joint is correspondingly pushed the other way, along with the head of the bone joining the toe to the heel (the first metatarsal). The head of the metatarsal and the joint itself end up forming a bump pushing outward from the foot.

The bunion itself is made up of the metatarsal head, swollen joint and the ligaments and tendons surrounding the joint. It is hard and increasingly sore, making wearing shoes difficult and walking painful.

Bunions are believed to be frequently caused by the wearing of tightly fitting shoes. The fact that women are more likely to get them than men bears this out.

The condition may also be genetic to some degree or associated with other genetic conditions such as flat foot or abnormal walking.

Those with naturally weak foot ligaments or suffering from osteo- or rheumatoid arthritis are also susceptible.

The displacement of bones which leads to bunions can also occur during traumatic injury or direct physical blow to the foot.

Prevailing conditions which involve inherent imbalance, such as Down’s syndrome or having one leg longer than the other, can increase the risk of a bunion forming.

Once formed the bump will become increasingly inflamed and cause more inconvenience and pain. This will start in the foot but overcompensation in walking can then lead to pain in the leg and back area too. Consultation with an Orthopedic doctor can help the patient find relief from the bunion.

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