Bunion
(Hallux
Valgus)
|
Definition
A bunion occurs when
the big toe angles in towards the second toe, causing a bump on
the inside of the foot
Cause
Bunions
can
be
hereditary
but
they
are
more
often
acquired
as
a
result
of
prolonged
pressure
on
the
foot
caused
by
narrow-toed,
high-heeled
shoes.
Such
shoes
compress
the
big
toe
and
push
it
toward
the
second
toe.
The
condition
may
become
painful
as
extra
bone
and
a
fluid-filled
bursa
grow
where
the
base
of
the
great
toe
meets
the
foot
and
the
overlying
skin.
Symptoms
Reddened
skin
over
the
base
of
the
great
toe
.
Pain
over
the
joint
where
the
great
toe
joins
the
foot
(MTP
joint),
aggravated
by
pressure
from
shoes
.
Great
toe
turns
toward
the
other
toes.
Signs
and
Tests
During
a
physical
exam,
the
doctor
will
look
for
a
great
toe
angled
towards
the
second
toe
and
red,
calloused
skin
on
the
inside
of
the
foot
where
the
base
of
the
first
toe
joins
the
rest
of
the
foot.
There
is
often
a
bony
prominence
in
this
same
area.
A
foot
X-ray
will
demonstrate
an
abnormal
angle
between
the
first
toe
and
the
foot
and
in
some
cases
arthritis.
Treatment
In
the
early
stages,
good
foot
care
and
wide-toed
shoes
and
support
orthotics
may
prevent
the
need
for
further
treatment
of
the
bunion.
Felt
or
foam
pads
on
the
foot
to
protect
the
bunion,
or
devices
to
separate
the
first
and
second
toes
at
night,
may
reposition
the
joint.
Expectations
(prognosis)
A
few
arthritis-related
disorders
can
be
completely
cured
with
treatment.
Most
are
chronic
(long-term)
conditions,
and
treatment
aims
at
controlling
the
pain
and
minimizing
joint
damage.
Chronic
arthritis
frequently
goes
in
and
out
of
remission.
Complications
Chronic
pain
Lifestyle
restrictions
or
disability
Prevention
Avoid
compressing
the
toes
of
the
foot
with
narrow,
poor-fitting
shoes.
Recommendation
Flexifly™
Anatomical
Regular
Orthotic
Flexifly™
Anatomical
Sport
Generation
II
Casual
Orthotics
w/
metatarsal,
1/8"
Pad
&
Suede
Cover
Dress
Orthotics
w/
metatarsal
leather
cover
Flexifly™
High
Arch
Orthotics
Casual
Support
Orthotics
w/
full
1/8"
Pad,
Suede
Cover
The
content
is
not
intended
to
be
a
substitute
for
professional
medical
advice,
diagnosis,
or
treatment.
Always
seek
the
advice
of
your
physician
with
any
questions
you
may
have
regarding
a
medical
condition.
This
site
does
not
provide
medical
advice.
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