Bunions are bony bumps on the inside of the big-toe joint, caused by the big toe moving toward the smaller toes. The proper medical term for bunions is “hallux valgus”, or hallux abducto valgus. Hallux refers to the large toe, and abducto-valgus refers to its position pointing toward the outside of the foot.
Bunions can be painful and inflamed, but sometimes are more of a problem because of difficulties with shoe fitting, especially for women. Fashion shoes can cause major problems. Often the large toe moves further across the foot and pushes the second toe up, causing hammer-toe or even worse, cross-over toe, where the second toe overlaps the large toe.
Although many people believe that bunions are caused by tight-fitting footwear, this may only be part of the picture. Studies have shown that primitive tribes who don’t wear footwear develop bunions and it is also believed that overpronation and abnormal foot mechanics contribute to the condition.
If the condition is mild and in its early stages, it may be helped easily with Orthotics which relieve pain and realign the underlying poor foot posture. Orthotics may also prevent further worsening of the condition. In the case of moderate to severe bunions, surgery to correct the condition is necessary. This is performed by a podiatric surgeon or orthopaedic surgeon. Orthotics are required after the healing of the surgery to hold the foot in its best position to prevent further problems.
Ball of Foot Pain
Bunions are bony bumps on the inside of the big-toe joint, caused by the big toe moving toward the smaller toes. The proper medical term for bunions is “hallux valgus”, or hallux abducto valgus. Hallux refers to the large toe, and abducto-valgus refers to its position pointing toward the outside of the foot.
Although many people believe that bunions are caused by tight-fitting footwear, this may only be part of the picture. Studies have shown that primitive tribes who don’t wear footwear develop bunions and it is also believed that overpronation and abnormal foot mechanics contribute to the condition.
If the condition is mild and in its early stages, it may be helped easily with Orthotics which relieve pain and realign the underlying poor foot posture. Orthotics may also prevent further worsening of the condition. In the case of moderate to severe bunions, surgery to correct the condition is necessary. This is performed by a podiatric surgeon or orthopaedic surgeon. Orthotics are required after the healing of the surgery to hold the foot in its best position to prevent further problems.