Bunions

Symtoms

A bunion often causes pain and swelling around the joint at the base of the big toe. The skin may become red or warm.

If the big toe pushes under the second toe, a painful corn may form on the top of the second toe. In some cases, bunions cause no symptoms - other than making the foot harder to fit in a shoe.

Sometimes the big toe starts to turn in toward the smaller toes. This pushes the joint out to the side, causing a bump. This bump is called a bunion. It can be mild, moderate, or severe.

Possible Causes

A bunion is most often caused by wearing shoes that are too tight across the toes. The side of the shoe ushes the big toe in toward the second toe.

This forces the joint at the base of the big toe out to the side. Bunions occur mostly in women, as they are more likely to wear tight shoes. A tendency to get bunions can also run in families. And some diseases, such as arthritis, can cause bunions.

The bone at the base of your big toe connects to a bone in the ball of your foot. Where the bones connect is called a joint. Normally, the two bones lie almost in a straight line.

Treament

Toes

There should be 1/2" between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe. The shoe should be wide enough for you to wiggle your toes.

Heel height should be low. The back of the shoe should grip your heel firmly so the shoe doesn't flop when you walk.

Pad

You may want to put a pad over the bunion to cushion it. You can buy bunion pads at most drugstores.

Ice Massage

To help relieve a painful bunion, put an ice cube in a plastic bag. Rub the ice on the bunion for 5 minutes. Repeat 2 or 3 times a day.

Surgery

Wearing wider shoes and padding the bunion may not relieve the pain. Your doctor may then suggest surgery. During surgery, the bunion is shaved away and the bones are put back in a straight line.