Bunion
A bunion is a bone abnormality 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 bulge cause friction and pressure as it rubs against footwear. Over time, the movement of the big toe angles in toward the second toe and rotates or twists - known as Hallux Abducto Valgus, this may cause overlapping of an adjacent toe. The growing enlargement will cause further irritation or inflammation. Bunions can also lead to other toe deformities such as hammertoe.
Bunions form when the toe moves out of place. The enlargement and its bulge cause friction and pressure as it rubs against footwear. Over time, the movement of the big toe angles in toward the second toe and rotates or twists - known as Hallux Abducto Valgus, this may cause overlapping of an adjacent toe. The growing enlargement will cause further irritation or inflammation. Bunions can also lead to other toe deformities such as hammertoe.
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Bunions can lead to foot discomfort and pain from the constant rubbing, irritation and friction of the bulge against shoes.
The skin over the toe becomes red and tender. Over time, bursitis or arthritis may set in. The skin on the bunion, in between toes and bottom of the foot may develop corns and callus. The foot may become too wide to fit into normal size shoes and discomfort may occur when tight shoes are worn. |
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Treatment
Because bunions are bone deformities, they do not resolve by themselves. The goal for bunion treatment is:
1. to relieve the pressure and pain caused by irritations, and second
2. to stop any progressive growth of the enlargement, commonly with the use of orthotics to support the foots skeletal structure, together with intrinsic foot musculature strengthening.
Because bunions are bone deformities, they do not resolve by themselves. The goal for bunion treatment is:
1. to relieve the pressure and pain caused by irritations, and second
2. to stop any progressive growth of the enlargement, commonly with the use of orthotics to support the foots skeletal structure, together with intrinsic foot musculature strengthening.
Commonly used methods for reducing bunion skin pressure, friction and pain against footwear include:
protective padding in the form of ‘pure gel hallux valgus protectors’, ‘fabric hallux valgus protector’, ‘bunion sleeve’.
Contact us for our bunion product range.
protective padding in the form of ‘pure gel hallux valgus protectors’, ‘fabric hallux valgus protector’, ‘bunion sleeve’.
Contact us for our bunion product range.
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Splints for night-time wear ‘Hallux valgus night splint’, to assist the toes and joint alignment. Contact us for our bunion product range.
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Surgical Treatment
Depending on the size of the bunion enlargement, misalignment of the toe, and pain experienced, conservative treatments may not be sufficient to avoid progressive damage. In these cases, bunion surgery - bunionectomy, may be advised to remove the bunion and realign the toe.
Depending on the size of the bunion enlargement, misalignment of the toe, and pain experienced, conservative treatments may not be sufficient to avoid progressive damage. In these cases, bunion surgery - bunionectomy, may be advised to remove the bunion and realign the toe.