Bunions
Bunions are the misalignment of two bones of the foot. The big toe starts to drift inward, and the joint underneath veers outwards.
An extremely common condition, women are much more likely to suffer. Bunions are a key cause of corns between toes.
An extremely common condition, women are much more likely to suffer. Bunions are a key cause of corns between toes.
Signs and symptoms
Bunions are easy to spot when fully fledged. The key is acting early to slow the progression.
As well as the obvious big-toe drift, other signs to look for include:
As well as the obvious big-toe drift, other signs to look for include:
- Chafing, red skin on the inside of the big toe joint
- Consistent aches in the big toe joint
- Shoes that develop a rounded shape
Bunion Causes
As yet, the exact cause of bunions is unknown. However, like hammer toes, bunions are almost certainly accelerated by shoes.
High heels skew the way your foot diverts energy from walking. Add in a narrow, squeezing front and the joints involved are practically forced to drift apart.
High heels skew the way your foot diverts energy from walking. Add in a narrow, squeezing front and the joints involved are practically forced to drift apart.
Bunion Treatment and Prevention
If caught early, bunions can often be slowed in progression.
This usually means, as usual, suitable footwear and possibly custom insoles.
The whole goal is to divert as much energy away from the weakened joint. Surgery is sometimes recommended in severe cases, but a fair amount of people opt it for cosmetic purposes.
This usually means, as usual, suitable footwear and possibly custom insoles.
The whole goal is to divert as much energy away from the weakened joint. Surgery is sometimes recommended in severe cases, but a fair amount of people opt it for cosmetic purposes.
