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Bunion by Editorial Staff and Contributors

Definition

A bunion is a thickened lump at the base of the big toe. It causes the big toe to move toward the smaller toes. It can make walking difficult.

Bunion

Causes

Bunions are caused by a deformity of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe. This causes instability of the joint.

Deformity can be caused by:

Flat feet, which transfer too much weight to the MTP joint
Narrow-toed shoes and high heels
Certain neuromuscular diseases, such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis
Marfan syndrome
Activities that put undue stress on the feet, such as ballet

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of getting a bunion include:

Family members who have foot abnormalities
Sex: female
Diabetes

You should seek medical attention if you have diabetes and you are having problems with your feet.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Tip of the big toe that turns in toward the other toes and may overlap the second or third toe
Firm bump on the outside edge of the foot or at the base of the big toe
Restricted or painful motion of the big toe
Foot pain and stiffness
Fluid-filled cyst between the skin and the bony lump

Diagnosis

The doctor will examine your foot and ask about your symptoms. An x-ray of your foot will be used to diagnose a bunion. It will also show the amount of damage.

Treatment

The goals of treatment are to relieve pressure on the bunion and stop progression of the deformity.

Padding and Taping

Padding the bunion may reduce pain and allow you to continue a normal, active life.

Taping helps to keep the foot in a normal position, reducing stress and pain.

Medication

Medication may be used to ease pain and inflammation, including:

Anti-inflammatory drugs
Cortisone injections

Proper Footwear

Wear shoes that are wide and deep in the toe area. Make sure the top of the shoe doesn't hit or rub against the bunion. There should be half an inch of space between the shoe and the end of your longest toe when you are standing.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can relieve inflammation and pain. Ultrasound therapy is often used to treat bunions and related soft tissue problems.

Orthotics

Shoe inserts may help maintain foot function. They may reduce symptoms and prevent worsening of the deformity.

Surgery

Surgery may be needed to relieve the pressure and repair the toe joint, if the other treatments fail. Surgical procedures include:

Removal of the bony lump
A more involved procedure to cut the bone and realign the joint

If you are diagnosed as having a bunion, follow your doctor's instructions .

Prevention

These tips can help to protect your feet and possibly reduce the risk of bunion:

Wear wide toed shoes and comfortable footwear that does not pinch the toes.
Avoid activities that cause foot pain, like standing too long.
Prevent a minor bunion from worsening with bunion pads and proper shoes.

RESOURCES:

American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society http://www.aofas.org
American Podiatric Medical Association http://www.apma.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Ontario Podiatric Medical Association http://www.opma.ca
Orthogate http://www.orthogate.org/patient-education

References:

Complete Home Medical Guide . American College of Physicians; 1999.
Ferrari J. Higgins JP. Prior TD. Interventions for treating hallux valgus (abductovalgus) and bunions. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews . 2004;CD000964.
Foot care. National Institute on Aging website. Available at: http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/foot-care. Updated April 18, 2012. Accessed April 4, 2013.
Maffulli N, Longo UG, Marinozzi A, Denaro V. Hallux valgus: effectiveness and safety of minimally invasive surgery. A systematic review. Br Med Bull . 2011;97:149-167.
Wexler D, Kile TA. Frontera: Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation . Philadelphia, PA; Hanley and Belfus; 2002.

Last reviewed April 2013 by Lawrence Frisch, MD, MPH ; Michael Woods, MD

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