Welcome to the world of bunions, a common foot deformity that can cause significant discomfort and even pain. But don't worry, we're here to help you understand what bunions are, why they develop, and most importantly, how to treat them effectively.
| Section | Summary |
|---|---|
| What is a Bunion? | A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a bump on the side of the big toe. It's a progressive deformity that starts with the deviation of the big toe towards the second toe. |
| Signs & Symptoms | Symptoms include a bony bump on the toe, joint stiffness, deep aching pain, misshapen 2nd toe, and difficulty fitting shoes. |
| Causes | Bunions develop due to increased pressure on the big toe joint. Factors include foot posture, footwear, certain sports or occupations, arthritis, and trauma. |
| Treatment | Early conservative treatment is recommended to slow the progression of the deformity. This includes improving footwear, strengthening exercises, toe stretches, bunion splints, and custom foot orthoses. |
| Surgery | If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be considered. Post-surgery, it's important to maintain good foot health to prevent recurrence. |
What is a Bunion?
A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, is a bump that forms on the side of your big toe. This bump is a visible sign of changes in your big toe joint, causing your big toe to deviate towards the second toe instead of pointing straight ahead[1].
"Although bunions are not always symptomatic, they are a progressive deformity. They begin with a deviation of the hallux, changing the angle of the bones over the years and increasing the prominence of the bony bump."[2]
Signs & Symptoms of Bunion Foot Pain
Bunions can cause a variety of symptoms, from a simple bony bump to deep, aching pain inside the joint. Other symptoms include joint stiffness, misshapen 2nd toe, and difficulty fitting shoes[3].
What Causes Bunions to Develop?
Bunions form due to increased pressure on the big toe joint. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including foot posture, footwear, certain sports or occupations, arthritis, and trauma[4].
Bunion Treatment
Early conservative treatment is recommended to slow the progression of the deformity. This includes improving footwear, strengthening exercises, toe stretches, bunion splints, and custom foot orthoses[5].
"Orthoses help to reduce pain and discomfort but more importantly may slow the progression of the deformity."
Do I Need Bunion Surgery?
If conservative treatments fail to relieve the pain and the condition keeps progressing, then surgery may need to be considered[6].
"After bunion surgery the underlying biomechanical instability that caused the bunion to develop in the first place may not have been addressed. Unfortunately, this may lead to the re-development of bunions again after surgery."
The Right Footwear for Bunions
Choosing the right footwear is crucial in managing bunions. At The Ortho Fit Store, we offer a range of orthopedic shoes designed to provide comfort and support. Check out our Supreme Comfort, Breathable No-Tie Stretch Shoes, and Cloud Relief Footwear for options that can help alleviate bunion pain.
For more information on orthopedic shoes, check out our previous blog posts: Best Orthopedic Shoes for Bunions, Unleashing the Power of Orthopedic Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, and Best Extra Wide Shoes for Swollen Feet.
[1]: Mayo Clinic - Bunions [2]: PubMed - Bunions [3]: NCBI - Bunions [4]: The Ortho Fit Store - Supreme Comfort [5]: The Ortho Fit Store - Breathable No-Tie Stretch Shoes [6]: The Ortho Fit Store - Cloud Relief Footwear