Bunion

What is a bunion?

A bunion (also called hallux valgus) refers to a bump by the big toe joint. Bunions are a progressive condition, and the skin over the bunion may be red and sore.

An imbalance in the muscles that attach to this joint begins to pull the big toe towards the other toes. As the toe is pulled over, the metatarsal (the long bone behind the toe) pushes against the joint and forces it to stick out, creating a protrusion.

Bunions are often hereditary and are not typically caused by shoes. However, wearing narrow or pointed-toe shoes can make your symptoms worse.

Other causes of bunions include continuous stress on the foot or medical conditions like arthritis. Your foot and ankle surgeon will likely order an X-ray to get a better look at your foot bones.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

The most common symptoms of bunions include:

• A bump on the inside of your foot at the big toe joint
• Redness over the bump
• Dull, achy pain or soreness at the bump or in the big toe joint
• Possible numbness or burning in the big toe

How does a podiatrist treat bunions?

A podiatrist will try to treat your bunion with a non-surgical solution that might include wearing wider shoes to take the pressure off your bunion and avoiding activities that cause bunion pain. To reduce inflammation and discomfort, the doctor will recommend icing the area several times a day, as well as taking NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen.

Some people find that a shoe insert, called an orthotic, can reduce the pain and other symptoms of bunions. The doctors at St. Cloud Foot and Ankle Center are trained to fit patients for orthotics.

If non-surgical treatments are unable to relieve bunion pain, your podiatrist will discuss whether or not surgery is an option for you. Surgery will correct the deformity and relieve pain.

Choosing a procedure depends on the severity of your deformity, age, activity, X-ray findings, and other factors. The recovery period depends on the procedure performed.  

For a simple bunionectomy, you will be able to walk the same day as your surgery. For more complicated procedures, you might be unable to place any weight on your foot for 8-12 weeks.