What is a Bunion?

Bunions, those painful bony growths on the insides of your feet, are the result of a biomechanical deformity known as Hallux Valgus. While the exact etiology of the deformity is unknown, there is a strong familial connection. Hallux valgus and the resulting bunion deformity is much more prevalent in women than in men, most likely due to the difference in bone structure and center of mass.

Bunions can be a painful experience. Many women with bunions complain of not being able to wear certain shoes, especially shoes with a narrow toe box. Numbness is also a common complaint, as well as an overall dislike of the aesthetics of bunions. Rubbing of the bony prominence against a too-narrow shoe can cause a throbbing pain, with the affected area becoming red and swollen.

There are a number of treatments for bunion deformities, some much more effective than others. Conservative treatments typically focus on treating the symptoms, or preventing the deformity from progressing. Surgical treatment focuses on correcting the deformity, putting the bones of the foot into alignment.

Conservative treatments include:

· R.I.C.E. Therapy – Rest, ice, compression, and elevation make up the R.I.C.E. therapy. This is a sort of catch-all group of treatments used for a number of different complaints, from sprained ankles to sore knees. It may make the bunion-affected feet feel better temporarily, but offers little lasting effect.

· Anti-Inflammatory Medications – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a commonly used treatment for not only bunions, but a number of problems involving inflammation. These too offer only temporarily relief of a painful bunion, and don’t do too much to correct the problem. Steroids, both injected and topical, may be used as well. Steroids may offer a longer lasting pain relief, but is still a temporary solution.

· Bunion Splints – Commercially available bunion splints, designed to prevent the deformity from rubbing against a shoe and prevent the progression of hallux valgus deformity, are also used. These have never been studied, and their effectiveness is questionable.

· Padding and taping – Your podiatrist may use a combination of padding and taping to both hold the foot in an optimal position, as well as protect the bunion from rubbing against a shoe. These methods usually work for several days, but require a re-taping and re-application of the padding frequently.

· Custom Orthotics – Custom orthotics may be the most effective conservative therapy, as the address the underlying deformity of the foot and not just the bony prominence at the big toe joint. A custom orthotic can be designed to prevent the hallux valgus deformity from expanding, thus preventing the progression of the bunion.

In addition to conservative therapies, many patients with hallux valgus and painful bunions undergo surgery to correct the deformity. This remains the definitive treatment for bunions, and the only treatment that actually can correct the problem.

Depending on the curcumstances, different surgical procedures typically involve cutting a small piece of the metatarsal bone out, and shifting the bones of the foot and toe into a straighter alignment. Additionally, some of the bunion itself may be removed surgically, so that it does not protrude from the foot.

Bunions may also form on the outside, or lateral side of the foot. When this happens, they are called Tailor’s Bunions. Tailor’s bunions are located on the fifth toe, at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The development of Tailor’s bunions comes from a widening of the space between the fourth and fifth metatarsals, similar to the development of a bunion on the inside of the foot. Tailor’s bunions are typically less painful than regular bunions, but can be an equal nuisance. Tailor’s bunions are usually corrected at the same time in surgical cases.

If you have bunions, discuss the options with your podiatrist. Remember that pain in the feet is never normal. It is your body’s way of saying that something is wrong. There are a number of ways to deal with painful bunions and hallux valgus deformity, and a doctor can help guide you through the decision-making process.

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com