If your big toe looks misshapen and protrudes from the side of your foot, you could have a bunion, a bony protrusion of the great toe joint that can cause friction and pain when wearing shoes. A bunion found on the outside of the foot on or below the fifth (or baby) toe, known as a bunionette or Tailors Bunion, can also cause intense bunion pain.
Causes:
Bunions, also known as hallus valgus, are caused by a combination of factors, including:
- An active lifestyle.
- Improperly fitting shoes, or shoes that don’t have enough room in the toe box, such as many women’s fashion shoes with pointy-toes.
- Foot type
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A foot that pronates or rolls inward excessively when walking has a higher tendency for forming bunions, as this type of foot creates an imbalance with the muscles and tendons around the great toe joint. This causes the great toe to deviate toward the outside of the foot, while the bone in front of it shifts toward the inside of the foot.
Symptoms:
The best way to see if you have a bunion or bunionette: Pay attention to your feet! If you see a bony protrusion on your big or baby toe that feels pinched when wearing shoes, you most likely have a bunion or bunionette.
Relief and Prevention:
Bunions/bunionettes are most commonly treated and prevented with some simple adjustments to your shoes.
- Buy well-fitting shoes with a wide toe box.
- Use bunion shields or pads to cushion the bunion while walking.
- Utilize orthotic devices or inserts that redistribute the pressure along the arch and ball of the foot and control the separation of the bones. This will help support your foot and reduce the tendency toward bunion formation.
For most people, relief can be achieved with better shoes and pads. In severe cases, The Podiatry Institute suggests you see a doctor to determine if corrective surgery is needed.
Information on foot pain, leg and lower body health conditions provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on muscoskeletal health.