You may be familiar with the term "bunion", but you may not be aware what a bunion actually is. A bunion is this bony bump that forms on your joint where your big toe meets the rest of your foot. The skin around this area will often be red and sensitive. They are formed when the big toe is forced against your next toe, causing the joint to stick out and get larger. These develop as a result of the bearing and shifting of your weight and the pressures this brings, and when these pressures fall on your joints in an uneven manner.
Why does this happen? Sometimes this is as a result of genetics, giving you a foot type that is just
susceptible to this. This can also be caused by birth defects or foot injuries. Other causes are heavily debated among the medical community. Some believe that certain types of footwear, including tight, pointy-toe high-heeled shoes or wearing shoes that are too narrow, are causes of bunions. Bunions may also happen as a result of inflammatory types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. If you are in an industry that may put extra stress on your feet, you may be at a higher risk to developing bunions.
There are a variety of symptoms that are associated with bunions. The most obvious symptom is the bulging bump that can be found outside the base of your big toe. You may also have swelling, redness, and sensitivity at the joint of your big toe. You may notice the skin at the base of your big toe thickening. Other symptoms include: corns or calluses developing where the two toes overlap, pain that is either persistent or intermittent, and your big toe having restrictive movement.
Generally bunions do not require medical attention, but there are some signs that mean you should visit your doctor or a specialized foot doctor to assist you. One sign is if you notice a lot of pain in your big toe or foot that is persistent. Another sign includes having a visible bump that is located on your big toe joint. You may also want to see a doctor if you have decreased movement in your foot or big toe, as well as having difficulty finding shoes that fit properly because of the bunion.
There are also some complications that may happen as a result of bunions. Bursitis is a painful condition that happens when the bursae, the small fluid-filled pads that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles, start to become inflamed. Another condition is "hammertoe", where an abnormal bend happens in the middle joint of the toe and causes pain. This usually occurs in the toe next to the big toe. Metatarsalgia is a final complication as a result of bunions. This is a condition where a person will have pain and inflammation located in the ball of their foot.
If you end up with a bunion, know you don't need surgery as there are gels as well as splints that would correct as well as relieve the pain. Also you can change your shoes to ones that are roomier, more comfortable, and has plenty of toe space. However in a certain serious situation surgery may unfortunately be the only option.
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