If you see a solid lump developing at the base of your big toe accompanied by pain and swelling, it might be a bunion. According to the American Podiatric Association (APMA) – “A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe, which is called ‘metatarsophalangeal’ (MTP) joint. This condition usually arises when the tissue or bone of the toe gets displaced”. This causes the toe to get moved towards the rest of the toes and creates a painful lump of bone on the foot near the big toe.

This joint is responsible to carry a lot of body’s weight while we walk and bunions can make you suffer extreme pain if not treated properly. The MTP joint may lose its flexibility and become sore, which makes it impossible for a person to wear shoes. This problem can also develop on the foot around the little toe and that is called ‘bunionette’.

Now let’s focus what causes a Bunion?

Bunions can be caused due to unnatural force and motion being applied over the joints and tendons of the foot for a long period of time. They can also be formed due to traumas to the foot and congenital malformations. Type of job or athletic activities that puts excess stress on the feet can be responsible for the bunion formation.

They have a tendency to occur if someone in the family has the same problem, but Bunion is not a hereditary problem but the foot type that can lead to the occurrence of a bunion is hereditary. Also wearing shoes like high heels that make the body weight distribution uneven on the feet can cause bunion, which is proved by the number of more women suffering from bunions.

Treatment for Bunions

You may try using commercial bunion pads or use shoes with a wide toe space, but might not be useful to the extent that the treatment by consulting with a Foot and ankle doctor can do. Rubbing ice on the bumpy area can bring relief for some time, but it will be painful again.

A podiatrist can help you deal with the pain most effectively. They can very well understand the anatomy of your feet and accordingly can suggest you some stretching exercise that can help to keep your toe moving to experience less pain.

They will prescribe you anti-inflammatory medicines or injections of cortisone to lessen the inflammation. In some cases, with the passing time if the problem becomes pronounces it may require surgical intervention to get the deformity cured permanently.

A podiatrist can provide you the perfect guidance and foot care regime to experience less main with the bunion problem.

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