| The common bunion is a localized area of | | | | structures of the first metatarsal are no longer |
| enlargement of the inner portion of the joint at the | | | | functioning correctly. This biomechanical abnormality |
| base of the big toe. The enlargement actually | | | | may be caused by a variety of conditions intrinsic to |
| represents additional bone formation, often in | | | | the structure of the foot--such as flat feet, |
| combination with a misalignment of the big toe. The | | | | excessive ligamentous flexibility, abnormal bone |
| normal position of the big toe (straight forward) | | | | structure, and certain neurological conditions. These |
| becomes outward-directed toward the smaller toes. | | | | factors are often considered genetic. Although no |
| The enlarged joint at the base of the big toe (the | | | | experts are convinced that poor fitting footwear is |
| first metatarsophalangeal joint) can become inflamed | | | | the main cause of bunion formation , other sources |
| with redness, tenderness, and pain. A small fluid-filled | | | | concede only that footwear exacerbates the |
| sac (bursa) adjacent to the joint can also become | | | | problem caused by the original genetic deformity. |
| inflamed (bursitis) leading to additional swelling, | | | | Tight fitting shoes are thought to be the cause of |
| redness, and pain. | | | | bunions in about 90% of patients. Shoes such as high |
| Bunions are often described as a bump on the side | | | | heels are particularly damaging to the toes. These |
| of the big toe. But a bunion is more than that. The | | | | shoes have a sloping foot piece and a narrow toe |
| visible bump actually reflects changes in the bony | | | | box. The slope causes the front of the foot to be |
| framework of the front part of the foot. With a | | | | pushed with force into the narrow toe box. The |
| bunion, the big toe leans toward the second toe, | | | | narrow toe box causes the toes to become |
| rather than pointing straight ahead. This throws the | | | | squeezed together. Depending on factors such as |
| bones out of alignment, producing the bunion's | | | | duration of wearing constraining footwear, skeletal |
| "bump." | | | | maturity, and individual factors, the toes can become |
| Most bunions are treatable without surgery. | | | | permanently adapted to the new position and lead to |
| Prevention is always best. To minimize your chances | | | | the formation of a bunion. |
| of developing a bunion, never force your foot into a | | | | Bunions can occur for a number of reasons, but a |
| shoe that doesn't fit. Choose shoes that conform to | | | | common cause is wearing shoes that fit too tightly. |
| the shape of your feet. Go for shoes with wide | | | | They can also develop as a result of inherited |
| insteps, broad toes and soft soles. Avoid shoes that | | | | structural defect, injury, stress on your foot or |
| are short, tight or sharply pointed, and those with | | | | another medical condition. A bunion is an abnormal, |
| heels higher than 2 1/4 inches. If you already have a | | | | bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of |
| bunion, wear shoes that are roomy enough to not | | | | your big toe. Your big toe joint becomes enlarged, |
| put pressure on it. This should relieve most of your | | | | forcing the toe to crowd against your other toes. |
| pain. You may want to have your shoes stretched | | | | This puts pressure on your big toe joint, pushing it |
| out professionally. You may also try protective pads | | | | outward beyond the normal profile of your foot, and |
| to cushion the painful area. | | | | resulting in pain. Bunions can also occur on the joint of |
| Bunions are caused by a biomechanical abnormality, | | | | your little toe (bunionette). |
| where certain tendons, ligaments, and supportive | | | | |