A bunion is an enlarged bone on the side of the main joint of the big toe. Depending on the severity of the bunion, the big toe may be angled mildly or sharply toward the other toes. Bunions often develop along with other foot problems.Causes of bunions include: hereditary tendency; foot injury; neuromuscular disorder; congenital deformity (a deformity that is present at birth); and loose joint movement. Bunions may also develop along with inflammatory joint disease, such as osteoarthritis. Most bunions form as the big toe responds to abnormal pressure on foot joints. A common example is the foot rolling excessively inward during walking. Over time, this stress may cause the big toe to move toward the other toes. This, in turn, puts pressure on the big toe joint and pushes it outward. Maybe you have heard that wearing narrow-toed or high-heeled shoes causes bunions. Not always. Even in areas of the world where shoes are never worn, people get bunions.

Image on left is an X-RAY after bunion surgery. Image on right is post surgery

SELF-CARE
• roomy, supportive, comfortable shoes
• self-adhesive cushions (available at drugstores) to ease painful pressure and friction

Doctor's Treatment, IF Needed
• extra-wide, specially fitted, or prescription shoes
• shoe inserts - orthotic devices - prescribed by your podiatrist and molded to your feet to help your feet function better
• medication such as corticosteroid injections and pain relievers for temporary relief of symptoms
• excercises to strengthen the foot
• surgery (bunionectomy) to remove the bunion and realign the big toe