Why some people develop bunions and others don’t remains a mystery, but there are several factors that put you more at risk.
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions typically occur when bones in the front part of your foot shift out of place. This movement causes the tip of your big toe to get drawn toward your smaller toes, which forces the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out. The skin over the bunion may present itself as red and painful to the touch.
Why some people develop bunions and others don’t remain a mystery, but there are several factors that put you more at risk, including:
- Genetics
- Injury to your foot
- Structural irregularity
- Wearing tight shoes that crowd your toes
What treatments are available?
- A change in footwear
- Icing
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Orthotics
- Bracing or padding
While these treatments help with the pain a bunion can cause, they don’t correct the condition.
Your doctor may suggest a bunionectomy. Bunionectomies are performed on an outpatient basis and, after the surgery, many patients are able to walk fairly quickly with a surgical shoe. During most typical procedures the bony protrusion is reduced, and your metatarsal is pulled back into place, using pins, screws, and/or plates to keep it in position.
