What is a bunion?

A bunion is a localized swelling or enlargement of the outer portion of the joint of the big toe. The enlargement is due to additional bone formation often with a combination with misalignment of the toe joint. The toe joint becomes enlarged, distorted and crowds the other toes. The outward pressure of the joint gradually increases, leading to pain and an abnormal profile of the foot. The condition usually progresses slowly but is visibly obvious. The majority of individuals who develop a bunion complain of pain in the big toe.

What causes a bunion?

Bunions are common in women and this is most likely associated with the wearing of tight fitting shoes, especially high heel shoes with narrow toes. Overall, bunions are more common in people who wear shoes compared to those who are barefoot. There does appear to be a genetic link that predisposes one to bunion formation. Other risk factors that may contribute to bunion formation include abnormal joint anatomy, nerve injury, rheumatoid arthritis or some type of traumatic injury to the foot; bunions are also far more common in dancers and sports athletes who wear tight shoes. Individual with flat feet and arthritis also have a tendency to develop bunions.

What are symptoms of a bunion?

While some bunions may not cause symptoms, the majority of individuals will complain of pain on walking or while wearing tight shoes. Once the pain starts in the joint, it will always progress if the shoes are not altered.

Associated with pain is the presence of toe swelling, redness and abnormal alignment of the joint.

Bunions are also very unattractive and limit the type of shoe wear

When a bunion is long standing, it may result in formation of corns and calluses at the side of the big toe.