Condition
Bunions
What are Bunions?
Bunions are a deformity of the bones in your big toe. The big toe points in the direction of the other toes on the same foot, this may cause the bone (the first metatarsal) to stick outwards causing a bump which can become sore.
Causes
The most common causes of a bunion include but are not limited to:
- Arthritis
- Shoes that do not fit properly
- Genetics
- Connective tissue laxity
- Toe trauma
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of a bunion include:
- A bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe
- Swelling, redness or soreness around your big toe joint
- Thickening of the skin at the base of your big toe
- Corns or calluses — when the first and second toes overlap Pain
- Restricted movement of the big toe
Treatments
Bunions do not require medical treatment but symptoms may be relieved by the use of:
- Orthotics
- Bunion pads
- Painkillers
- Wearing better fitting footwear
- Splinting the big toe
- Surgery is a last resort
- Laser for pain relief
