What Is This Bump On My Big Toe?

A bunion is a bone deformity caused by an enlargement of the joint at the base and side of the big toe 

(metatarsophalangeal joint). Bunions form when the toe moves out of place. The enlargement and its protuberance cause friction and pressure as they rub against footwear. Over time, the movement of the big toe angles in toward the other toes, sometimes overlapping a third toe (known as Hallux Valgus). The growing enlargement or protuberance then causes more irritation or inflammation. In some cases, the big toe moves toward the second toe and rotates or twists, which is known as Hallus Abducto Valgus. Bunions can also lead to other toe deformities, such as hammertoe. 

Many people with bunions suffer from discomfort and pain from the constant irritation, rubbing, and friction of the enlargement against shoes. The skin over the toe becomes red and tender. Because this joint flexes with every step, the bigger the bunion gets, the more it hurts to walk. Over time, bursitis or arthritis may set in, the skin on the bottom of the foot may become thicker, and everyday walking may become difficult- all contributing to chronic pain. Wearing shoes that are too tight is the leading cause of bunions. Bunions are not hereditary, but they do tend to run in families, usually because of a faulty foot structure. Foot injuries, neuromuscular problems, flat feet, and pronated feet can contribute to their formation. It is estimated that bunions occur in 33 percent of the population in Western countries. 

Treatment for Bunions

Because they are bone deformities, bunions do not resolve by themselves. The goal for bunion treatment is twofold: first, to relieve the pressure and pain caused by irritations, and second, to stop any progressive growth of the enlargement. Commonly used methods for reducing pressure and pain caused by bunions include:

• The use of protective padding, often made from felt material, to eliminate the friction against shoes and help alleviate inflammation and skin problems. 
• Removal of corns and calluses on the foot.
• Changing to carefully-fitted footwear designed to accommodate the bunion and not contribute toward its growth. 
• Orthotic devices- both over-the-counter and custom made- to help stabilize the joint and place the foot in the correct position for walking and standing. 
• Exercises to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness or arthritis. 
• Splints for nighttime wear to help the toes and joint align properly. This is often recommended for adolescents with bunions, because their bone development may still be adaptable. 

Surgical Treatment

Depending on the size of the enlargement, misalignment of the toe, and pain experienced, conservative treatments may not be adequate to prevent progressive damage from bunions. In these cases, bunion surgery, known as a bunionectomy, may be advised to remove the bunion and realign the toe. 
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

'Tis the Season- Handle Bunions With care

The holidays are all about spending time with friends and family, but if your feet hurt, you certainly can't be the life of the party. With a bunion to worry about, you may not be able to enjoy all the pleasure that the holidays can bring- and the dancing too. However, there are ways to "beat the blues" when dealing with bunions, and taking some of these steps can bring you relief- at least from your foot pain.

A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe- the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint- that forms when the bone or tissue moves out of place. This forces the toe to bend toward the others, causing an often painful lump of bone on the foot. Since this joint carries much of the weight while walking, bunions can cause extreme pain if left untreated.

The MTP joint itself may become stiff and sore, making wearing shoes sometimes difficult or impossible.

Bunions are a symptom of faulty foot development and are usually caused by the way we walk, our inherited foot type, our shoes, or other reasons. Although bunions tend to run in families, it is the foot type that is passed down- not the bunion. Other causes of bunions are foot injuries, neuromuscular disorders, or congenital deformities. People who suffer from flat feet or low arches are also prone to developing these problems, as are arthritic patients and those with inflammatory joint disease.

Treatment options vary with the type and severity of each bunion, although identifying the deformity early in its development is important in avoiding surgery. Podiatric medical attention should be sought at the first indication of pain or discomfort because, left untreated, bunions tend to get larger and more painful, making nonsurgical treatment less of an option. The primary goal of most treatment options is to relieve pressure on the bunion and halt the progression of the joint deformity.

A podiatric physician may recommend one or more of the following treatments: padding and taping to minimize pain, medication to ease the pain and inflammation, physical therapy (such as ultrasound), and orthotics (shoe inserts) to control foot function and reduce symptoms.

When conservative treatments fail or the bunion progresses past the threshold for such options, podiatric surgery may become necessary to relieve pressure and repair the toe joint. Several surgical procedures are available to the podiatric physician. the surgery will remove the bony enlargement, restore a more appropriate alignment of the toe joint, and relieve pain.

A simple bunionectomy, in which only the bony prominence is removed, may be used for the less severe deformity. Severe bunions may require a more involved procedure, which includes cutting the bone and realigning the joint.

Recuperation takes time, and swelling and some discomfort are common for several weeks following surgery. Pain, however, is easily managed with medications prescribed by your podiatric physician. 

For more information on bunions, visit our website: http://www.ctfootcare.com/bunions.html

Connecticut Foot Care Centers

Podiatrists in CT

Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter. 

Related articles

• 8 Stretches For Bunions

  ---

• Can I Have A Bunion On the Outside Of My Foot?

  ---

• What's That Bump on My Big Toe?

  ---

• Bunion Surgery Helped Nigella Lawson Lose Weight

  ---