City Footcare NYC
Podiatric Medicine & Surgery
We treat all problems of the foot and ankle.
Bunions
Definition:
Bunions, referred to in the medical community as 'hallux valgus', are one of the most common forefoot problems.
A bunion is a prominent bump on the inside of the foot at the big toe joint. This bump is actually a bone that protrudes towards the inside of the foot.
With the continued movement of the big toe towards the smaller toes, it is common to find the big toe resting under or over the second toe. This causes a common forefoot condition called overlapping toes.
Some of the symptoms of bunions include inflammation, swelling, and soreness on the side surface of the big toe. The discomfort commonly causes a patient to walk improperly.
Another type of bunion which some individuals experience is called a 'tailor’s bunion', also known as a 'bunionette'.
This forms on the outside of the foot towards the joint at the base of the fifth / little toe.
It is a smaller bump that forms due to the fifth metatarsal protruding outwards, and fifth / little toe tilting inwards, towards the big toe.
Cause:
Bunions are a common problem experienced more by women than men.
The deformity usually develops from an abnormality in foot function, and is made worse by wearing improper fitting footwear. Tight, narrow dress shoes with a constrictive toe box (toe area) can cause the foot to begin to take the shape of the shoe, leading to the formation of a bunion.
Women's shoes are often shaped with a narrow front. In these types of shoes their toes are squeezed together causing the first toe to move inward and cause opposite pressure on the metatarsal bone to move outward.
It is important for men and women to realize that bunions tend to worsen to the point where surgery is necessary, but can be slowed or prevented with orthotics usage.