 The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons describes a bunion as
"the result of mechanical imbalance and undue stress on the big toe
joint."
The bones, joints and ligaments in your big toe are quite complex. An
important part of the foot mechanism, their primary function is
balancing the body's weight when you are in motion - walking, running,
dancing or any other similar movement.
Bunions occur when the base of your metatarsophalangeal, or big toe,
joint becomes larger than the rest of the joint. This enlargement is
due to faulty mechanics of the foot, which is usually hereditary. When
this inherited foot problem is combined with putting additional stress
on your foot by wearing shoes that are too tight, the result is often a
bunion deformity.
Bunions are a common foot problem, especially among women. According to
the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), nine out of every
10 bunion cases are women. This is because many women wear
tight-fitting high-heeled shoes that cramp the toes and, over time,
force the big toe to move toward the smaller toes. As a result, the
metatarsophalangeal joint gets larger and sticks out, and the skin
covering the joint becomes red and swollen.
The movement of the big toe can cause other problems in addition to
bunions, such as toenails growing into the side of the nail bed and
corns. The big toe overcrowding the smaller toes can also cause
hammertoe, a permanent bend of the toe to one side occurring at the
middle joint.
Smaller bunions, known as bunionette, can also develop on the little
toe. This is also referred to as a tailor's bunion. It is not uncommon
to also have a corn or bursitis, or swelling in the tendon, with the
bunionette.
Treating and preventing bunions is as simple as wearing comfortable,
properly fitting shoes. AAOS and Valley Orthopedic Associates recommend
these tips:
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Choose shoes that conform to the shape of your feet.
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Pick shoes with wide insteps, broad toes and soft soles.
-
Avoid shoes that are short, tight or sharply pointed, and those with heels higher than 2 1/4 inches.
In severe cases, the pain and bony protrusion caused by a bunion may
progress to the point that it is difficult to walk despite wearing
proper shoes. Surgery may be required to realign the bones, ligaments
and tendons in your toe joint. Bunion surgery is usually an outpatient
procedure.
For more information about bunions or other foot problems, or to schedule an appointment, call VOA at 425-656-5060.
Additional Resources:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
08/09/2006
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