WHAT IS A BUNION
A bunion (hallux valgus) is an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe (the metatarsophalangeal joint). It is the hard bump you feel when you touch the side of your big toe joint - the head of the bone behind the big toe (the first metatarsal bone) that has protruded outward. The bump is partly the result of a fluid filled sac in the connective tissue (inflammed bursal sac) and/or a bony anomaly where the first metatarsal bone and big toe (hallux) meet (the mesophalangeal joint).
A bunionette, also referred to as a tailor’s bunion, develops on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe (the 5th metatarsal phalangeal joint). The bump is the head of the bone behind the little toe (the fifth metatarsal bone) that has protruded outward, while the little toe has shifted inward.
WHAT CAUSES A BUNION
Both bunions and bunionettes are most commonly caused by abnormal biomechanics of the feet, footwear that squeezes the forefoot, and high-heeled shoes that force the weight of the body down onto the ball of the foot and toes. Other causes include but are not limited to, injury, arthritis, excessive stress on the feet due to body weight, various occupations and sports.
During a recent visit to a Podiatrist, I asked if bunions are in fact hereditary. He explained - bunions are not genetically inherited, but that foot structures are, and that certain foot structures are more susceptible to forming bunions; for example, the structure of flat feet will often lead to the development of bunions.
IT DOESN'T HURT TO SEE A PODIATRIST
If you are in denial about the bumps on your feet, waiting until the pain becomes unbearable or for deformity to set in before doing anything about it, then take this into consideration - if left untreated, bones will continue to shift out of alignment and the tendons around the big toe will allow it to bend inward, and the bump on the joint will grow bigger. Not only that, the big toe can eventually progress to sit over or under the second toe, leading to more problems.
