Bunion Deformity

A bunion is a prominence overlying the bone located behind the big toe. Your body may or may not produce a fluid-filled sac, or bursa, in this area; this can become inflamed and sore. A bunion is caused by a condition known in medical terms as hallux valgus in which the big toe is angled excessively towards the second toe. In a normal foot, the big toe and the long bone leading up to it (the first metatarsal ) are virtually in a straight line. However, in hallux valgus, the long foot bone veers towards your other foot and your big toe drifts toward your second toe. The primary cause of this (aside from genetic predisposition) is abnormal biomechanical function of the foot.

Bunions tend to occur more frequently in women than men. This may be due to the more restrictive footwear often worn by women in a work or social environment. High heels or narrow toe boxes force the big toe towards the second toe, thus worsening the underlying hallux valgus deformity. Not surprisingly, genetics plays an important role in determining your likelihood of developing bunions. You’re more likely to develop bunions if your parents or grandparents have them.

Depending on the severity of the deformity and the amount of discomfort you are having, there are a variety treatment approaches available. To learn more about various treatments, click here.