What are bunions?
Bunions are a common deformity of the forefoot. They may occur in either sex and any culture, but are most common in women who wear narrow-toed dress shoes. A bunion is a displacement of the joint between the big toe and the long bone just behind it (the first metatarsal) toward the mid-line of the body. This joint begins to bulge on the inside of the foot, and the big toe drifts in the opposite direction, sometimes coming to rest over or under the smaller toes. It seems that many factors can influence the development of a bunion deformity (hallux abducto valgus). There may be a familial tendency to the deformity. Genetics may play an important, though not simple role. Abnormal flattening of the arch and turning out of the foot (pronation) during gait may encourage the development of a bunion. The wearing of constrictive and/or high heeled shoes can aggravate the problem. Pain often results from shoe pressure or abnormal weight-bearing due to the deformity.
Pain felt around the big toe in conjunction with a noticeable lump. The big toe may project towards the other toes in an abnormal angle. Can be from a hereditary predisposition or wearing shoes which are too tight across the ball of the foot. Quick Fix: Wear a shoe with a wider toe box. If area becomes red and warm, consult your sports medicine professional.
