Bunion is the hump in the bone found on the base of big toe. Hallux valgus is the medical term for bunion. It is marked by the deviation of big toe that would push outward putting pressure on the metatarsal bone thereby forming a bunion. The bone that is located just behind the big toe gets affected making it difficult to walk. When this condition occurs on the little toe it is known as bunionette.
When there is hump on the bone the body weight will be put on the bunion in every step causing intense pain. It may cause calluses when the shoes will also exert pressure thereby aggravating the pain.
Causes :
• Bunions are formed during adulthood and become intense as time passes since the foot spreads when a person grows old.
• Bunions are caused due to hereditary factor since it is passed to the next generation. It is found to run on families.
• Structural abnormality in foot may also cause bunion. Increased arthritis problem can also trigger formation of bunion in the big toe.
• People who wear tight fitting shoes and high-heeled shoes are more prone to get bunion than others. The repeated pressure exerted by the shoes may push the bones of the foot causing irregular shape.
Symptoms :
It is marked by the presence of bony bump on the foot seen on the big toe. Some people may experience hardness in the skin or formation of calluses. There may be swelling and tenderness of the affected area of the skin and moderate pain on the big toe. The area feels warm to touch and becomes shiny.
Diagnoses :
The doctor will obviously listen to the symptoms of pain and bony bump and examine the shape of the big toe. If needed, X-ray will be taken for assessing the intensity of deformity.
Treatment :
For mild pain and discomfort it is enough it you use heating pad and warm compression on the big toe for getting relief. You can also take over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen for relieving pain.