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Bunions
- (Hallux Valgus)
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Diseases & Conditions
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Bunions, referred
to in the medical community as Hallux Valgus, are
one of the most common forefoot problems. A bunion
is a prominent bump on the inside of the foot around
the big toe joint. Your big toe
joint becomes enlarged, forcing the toe to crowd
against your other toes. This puts pressure on your
big toe joint, pushing it outward beyond the normal
profile of your foot, and resulting in pain. Bunions
can also occur on the joint of your little toe (bunionette).
Bunions can occur for a number of reasons, but
the most common cause is wearing shoes that fit too
tightly. They can also develop as a result of
injury, stress on your foot or another medical
condition.
Often, treatment involves conservative steps that
may include changing your shoes, padding your bunion
and wearing shoe inserts. Severe cases may require
surgery to relieve the pain.
Treatment
Treatment
options vary depending on the severity of your bunion and the amount of
pain it causes you. Early treatment is best, to decrease your risk of
developing joint deformities.
Conservative treatment
Nonsurgical treatments that may relieve the pain and pressure of a
bunion include:
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Changing
shoes.
Wear roomy, comfortable shoes that provide plenty of space for your
toes.
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Padding and
taping.
Padding a bunion may minimize the pain and allow you to continue
normal activities. Your doctor can help you tape and pad your foot
in a normal position to reduce pain and stress on the bunion.
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Medication.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can control the pain of a bunion.
Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to ease pain and
inflammation. Cortisone injections also can be helpful.
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Physical
therapy.
The heating effect of ultrasound therapy or whirlpool baths can
provide relief from the pain and inflammation of a bunion.
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Orthotics.
Padded shoe inserts (orthotics) can help control abnormal movement
of your foot, reducing your symptoms and preventing a bunion from
worsening. Over-the-counter arch supports can provide relief for
some people, and others may require prescription orthotics.
Surgical options
If conservative treatment doesn't provide relief, you may need surgery.
A number of surgical procedures are performed for bunions, and no
particular surgery is best for every problem. Most surgical procedures
include a bunionectomy, which involves:
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Removing
swollen tissue from around your big toe joint
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Straightening
your big toe by removing part of the bone
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Permanently
joining the bones of your affected joint
You may
be able to walk on your foot immediately following some bunion
procedures. With other procedures, it may be a few weeks or longer. To
prevent a recurrence of symptoms, you'll need to wear proper shoes after
recovery.
Surgery
isn't recommended unless a bunion causes you significant pain. A
bunionectomy — like other types of surgery — is not without risk. You
may heal poorly, develop an infection or lose some feeling in your foot.
You might continue to have pain or develop a new bunion in your big toe
joint after surgery. Consider trying conservative treatment before
having a bunionectomy.
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