Information About Bunions
A bunion is an abnormality of the bones and joint between the foot and big toe, it can be extremely painful. When the bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe becomes enlarged a bunion occurs. As a result of the enlargement the big toe may turn in toward the second toe, in the world of podiatry they call this angulation. As a result tissue around the joint may be swollen and tender.
The term is often referred to the pathological bump on the side of the big toe joint. The bump is the result of the swollen bursal sac and/or an osseous (bony) anomaly on the mesophalangeal joint, the base of the big toe.
Symptoms of a bunion includes irritated skin around the joint, pain while walking, joint redness and pain, and a shift of the big toe toward the other toes. Due to the swelling foot blisters may form more easily. Bunions make it more difficult to find properly fitting shoes, often someone suffering from bunions has to buy larger shoes to accommodate the width the bunion creates. Wearing high heels becomes a problem as high heels puts pressure on the toes.
Bunions are a genetic condition, however ill fitting shoes can cause further distress on the joint. Genetically some tendons, ligaments and supportive structures of the big toes are positioned differently. A variety of conditions can lead to this such as excessive flexibility of the ligaments, flat feet, abnormal bone structure, and certain neurological conditions.
Bunions are typically treated by changing footwear and using orthotics, insoles that help accommodation the bunion with padding, rest, ice and medication. These treatments will help alleviate pain and help the swelling subside, but if the bulge has become excessive surgery may be needed. Surgical intervention, may be necessary if the deformity and discomfort is severe enough.
If you have a bunion and are planning to have it removed please contact us to see if you are eligible to participate in our study.
