Bunions | Hallux Valgus | Bunion Regulator | What Is A Bunion

What is a bunion? - A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe. Although a bunion may seem like a simple bump, it is more complex than that. A bunion actually affects the structure of the foot, which can cause intense pain and changes to the bone alignment of the foot.

A bunion generally causes a bump that is obvious to the individual. The word “bunion” comes from the Latin word for turnip, “bunio.” Diagnosing a bunion is easy since the bunion is a noticeable bump along the inside of the foot. Even though the condition can be visually apparent, a doctor is likely to order foot x-rays to determine the degree of the deformity. Together with the doctor, the individual affected by the bunion can decide on the desired course of treatment.

Since a bunion causes the big toe to point towards the other toes instead of lying next to the other toes as it would in a normal foot, it affects the skeletal alignment of the front part of the foot. The condition of this altered alignment of the big toe is called hallux valgus. This misalignment of the big toe and the bones in the foot causes the bump on the along the instep of the foot.

A small bunion on the outside of the foot is called a bunionette or tailor’s bunion. These smaller versions of the bunion usually happen to people who have regular bunions. Tailor’s bunions are the result of restrictive footwear.

Only 3% of the cases of bunions are caused by genetics. Bunions are most often caused by ill-fitting shoes. Bunions occur predominantly in woman due to wearing shoes that do not fit properly and lack proper support. High heels are especially hard on the feet. Wearing unsuitable shoes puts an excessive amount of pressure on the feet. The formations of bunions can also be a complication of arthritis.

Bunions can cause considerable pain. They may cause numbness or a burning sensation. The bunion may appear red due to inflammation. Some people do not experience any symptoms. Symptoms most commonly occur while wearing shoes that are tight across the toes. Pain and other symptoms may worsen as the bunion progresses. As the bunion gets larger, shoes are likely to put more pressure on the toes, which in turn causes the bunion and its symptoms to get worse.

Without treatment, the condition of the bunion will worsen over time. A bunion left untreated usually gets larger, which reflects increased misalignment of the bones. Once a bunion forms, the tendons of the foot contribute to forcing the big toe into an abnormal position. The bunion may eventually cause the big toe to lie under or over the second toe. The second toe may develop hammer toe. Hammer toe is when the middle of the toe points upwards.

Even though it may be tempting to neglect seeking treatment for a bump on the foot, a bunion is not to be trivialized. Several treatment options for alleviating the discomfort of bunions are available, such as a bunion regulator or bunion pad. It is important for people with bunions to work with their doctor to determine the best course of treatment to prevent this progressive disorder from getting worse.

Recommended Read: Bunion Surgery And Bunion Operation, Exostectomy - Exostoses Removal And Tailors Bunion (Bunionette)

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