What is a Bunion?
Victoria Beckham, along with many celebrities from supermodel Naomi Campbell to royalty like Megan Markle and Kate Middleton – Duchess of Cambridge all wear ostentatious heels and wear them religiously. So it is hardly surprising that, as a consequence, they have bunions visibly poking out from their Louboutins!
A bunion is a bony deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe. The medical name is hallux valgus. This can also appear on the 5th metatarsal (little toe) and called a Bunionette. Both of which, widen the foot causing shoes to rub which can exasperate the problem. This is why it may be more common in women as they wear high heels with narrow toes. The most common misconception with Bunions is that they are caused by ill-fitted shoes. In fact, bunions are hereditary and not caused but aggravated by badly fitting footwear. Genetics means any member of a family can be affected; a man whose mother has bunions has just as much chance of developing them as his sister.
The main sign of a bunion is the big toe pointing towards the other toes on the same foot, which may force the foot bone attached to it (the first metatarsal) to stick outwards. Bunions may be extremely painful and make it difficult to wear shoes. They are also formed when the big toe loses its flexibility to bend during walking.
Symptoms, which occur at the site of the bunion, may include:
- Pain or soreness
- Inflammation and redness
- A burning sensation
- Possible numbness
Often they simply look unsightly, but in many cases, bunions cause arthritis within the big toe joint and can be so painful that walking becomes difficult. Short term, they can develop a bursa which gives cause for the red swollen lump, this is an inflamed area filled with fluid.
Fortunately, bunions can be addressed without surgery as long as they are treated early. A bunion is a slowly progressive condition – if ignored, the pain and deformity will only grow more severe over time.
Unfortunately, the NHS won’t refer you until you have tried all other nonsurgical options for at least a year and often dismiss patients forcing more and more people to seek private health.
Questions we commonly get asked
Q: What can I stop my bunion from getting any worse?
There are a number of steps you can take to keep your bunion from getting any worse, but these will not get cure a bunion. These steps include wearing flat-soled shoes, shoes with rounded toes, and orthotics.
Q: Should I consider surgery for bunions?
Most people should talk to a foot surgeon or podiatrist when the pain associated with their bunion begins to interfere with their daily activities if walking becomes difficult or wearing shoes that are fitted.
Q: How long does it take to recover from bunion surgery?
The length of time it takes to recover depends on the severity of the bunion and the persons health conditions. In most cases, the post-operative pain is minimal and easily managed for the first 24-48 hours with over the counter painkillers. After the first day or two, patients are pain-free and easily able to walk and back in trainers within 2 weeks.
Do not ignore a bunion! The problem will not “go away on its own,” and in fact will only get worse. Accept your bunion, visit your foot and ankle specialist, and learn how to keep your feet healthy and pain-free.
If you have any question regarding foot pain, please get in touch, call 0113 230 3205 or email info@thefootpaincentresofleeds.co.uk
Everything you wanted to know about Bunions
But were too afraid to ask
- We work together with The Yorkshire Foot Hospital and Bunion surgery is nearly always carried out under local anaesthetic
- Most cases DO NOT require plaster casts
- It has a quick recovery time.
- Recovery is around 6 weeks after which patients can begin to return to normal activities and footwear.We are the only stand alone hospital in Yorkshire and pride ourselves in our care to alleviate your symptoms as quickly as possible.
- ARE YOU ON A WAITING LIST and in pain, book an appointment today.
- Finance agreements are available.
What is a bunion?
A bunion, or Hallux Valgus, is a bony formation, usually on the joint of your big toe. This condition can also occur on the pinky toe, known as a bunionette.
Pressure on the toes changes their shape and the foot structure which can turn the big toe inwards toward the others. In doing this, the joint of the big toe is forced to compensate by angling outwards. This continues for years and progressively becomes more pronounced and severe over time.
Do bunions go away on their own?
No! Bunions are a progressive condition, a bunion will only get worse without treatment.
What are the symptoms of a bunion?
A bunion can cause symptoms such as:
- A corn or callus bump on the side of your foot near the big toe joint.
- Pain and tenderness of your foot and big toe.
- Redness and swelling/inflammation of the affected joint.
- Restricted mobility of the big toe.
What happens if bunions are ignored?
A bunion on the joint of your big toe can cause arthritis if left untreated. Arthritis is a painful condition wherein … It can also cause the fluid sac surrounding the join to become inflamed, known as Bursitis.
What causes a bunion?
Whilst no-one can agree on a specific cause, there are a few common factors which can increase your liklihood of developing a bunion. These are:
- Wearing poorly fitted or tight fitting shoes around your toes causing the foot shape to change.
- The shape and structure of your foot from birth. Bunions are considered to be a hereditary disease by many scientists.
- Having an existing inflammatory condition, such as arthritis.
How can you diagnose a bunion?
One of the easiest ways to diagnose whether your pain and symptoms is due to a bunion is to seek help from a consultant podiatric surgeon. The surgeon may request X-Rays of your foot to ensure an accurate assessment and diagnostic.
What age can you develop a bunion?
In most shoe-wearing countries, the age at which people first become affected by bunions is in their 20’s – 30’s with women being more affected.
Can shoes worsen your bunions?
Wearing flat shoes with no support such as flip flops can affect your walk and cause more pain. This is because of biomechanics. Your toe does not touch the ground due to the bunion which means your foot has to compensate by rolling to allow your toe to meet the ground. Wearing supportive, but not constricting, shoes are recommended.
When should I see a specialist about my bunions?
If your bunions are causing you severe pain, seek help immediately.
But, you should also try and see a healthcare professional prior to intense pain as bunions are a progressive condition which will not go away. If you notice a hard lump on the side of your foot and you’re experiencing low toe mobility – get in touch today.
If you’re struggling with a foot pain, call us today to start your journey to a pain-free life.
Alternatively you can contact us HERE.
Our podiatrists are waiting to help you bring some normality back into your everyday way of living.
t: 0113 418 0282
e: info@footpaincentresofleeds.co.uk
w: Visit our podiatry page for more information.
10 Reasons why your toes might be painful
An old proverb states,“No hoof, no horse.” And as anyone with foot pain knows, that statement applies to both man and beast. An aching foot takes the pleasure out of most daily activities.
Studies show that three out of four people will have a foot problem at some time in their lives, and many will never seek the medical attention that can cure them.
1. Bunions. A bunion is a swelling of the joint at the base of the big toe. This is often a genetic condition rather than something you’ve done to damage your feet. While some bunions may require surgery, the first steps in treatment include the use orthotics, padding and splinting to help relieve pain.
2. Plantar fasciitis. Heel pain is caused when the thick, fibrous tissue that covers the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed and painful. It occurs in athletes who run and jump, middle-aged people, and those who are overweight. No matter the cause, all cases are treated like an athletic injury. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), physical therapy, cortisone injections and, as a last resort, surgery.
3. Heel Spurs. A heel spur develops when a calcium deposit forms on the heel bone. This happens when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel area, often in conjunction with Plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs can cause extreme pain in the back of the foot, especially while standing or walking. Treatment is the same as Plantar fasciitis.
4. Osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle. This is caused by simple wear and tear in the joint and is most often seen in patients over age 60. There are several treatment options, including anti-inflammatory drugs, braces, physical therapy, hot/cold therapy and changes to diet and activity level. There are also surgical options for arthritis pain in the foot and ankle.
5. Diabetic Neuropathy. People with diabetes may develop nerve damage in their feet, causing a burning or tingling pain and sometimes numbness. Treatment can include the use of braces or supportive shoes and medical management of the pain in conjunction with the patient’s primary care physician.
6. Hammertoe. A hammertoe is a toe that bends up permanently at the middle joint. It is caused by a tendon imbalance and occurs in all age groups from children to seniors. Children may outgrow the condition, while others are treated with orthotics, splinting, and sometimes surgery to straighten the toes.
7. Morton’s Neuroma. This is a chronic injury to the nerve between the toes, which causes thickening of the nerve in that area. It can cause pain and can make walking difficult. Symptoms include tingling in the space between the third and fourth toes, toe cramping, and sharp, shooting or burning pain in the ball of the foot. Non-surgical management includes padding the toe area, shoe inserts, anti-inflammatory medications and nerve blocks. Surgery may be needed to remove the thickened tissue.
8. Corns and Calluses. Corns are caused by pressure on the skin from the inside, such as from a bone. Calluses are hard, thickened skin on parts of the foot exposed to friction. The best treatment is to correct the biomechanical cause of the pressure or friction. Don’t try to cut or burn them off.
9. Ingrown Toenails. A podiatrist can perform an in-the-office surgical treatment to cut away the ingrown portion of the nail. It is then treated with a chemical to keep it from growing back.
10. Toe Fungus. OK, while it’s not painful, still it’s a common foot complaint and one that’s a pain to treat. Oral medications are the most effective treatment, followed by topical medications, creams and lotions.
