Lets Talk About Bunions…

What are bunions?

Bunions, also known as hallux valgus, are one of the most common joint deformities we come across regularly in clinic. A bunion deformity effects the big toe joint within the foot which can cause pain, make it difficult to wear certain styles of footwear, or may impact normal foot function. A bunion occurs when the big toe drifts towards the little toes and a bump forms at the big toe joint.

Bunions are generally progressive which means they get worse over time. Often people assume that there is nothing that can be done until they are bad enough to have surgery.

If you happen to be suffering with bunions, whether they are painful are not and regardless of what stage they are at, it is wise to get them assessed by a Podiatrist.

Are bunions hereditary?

Yes, most cases of bunions are hereditary, therefore, if other family members have suffered with them, there is a greater likelihood you can too. There are certain genetic factors which can make it more likely for you to develop bunions such as foot shape and function. Bunions also tend to effect women more than men.

Symptoms

Often the most common symptoms of bunions is pain within the great toe joint itself. However as bunions change how our feet function, you may develop secondary symptoms elsewhere, such as the little toe joints or along the soles of your feet. You may even develop pain within the lower limb depending on how bunions effect your gait and function.

Bunions can often be confused with arthritis of the big toe joint. With arthritis, you may still develop boney lumps known as osteophytes or just general thickening of the great toe joint which restricts movement through the joint.

Bunion stages

Bunions can generally be graded mild, moderate or severe.

In mild stages you may start to notice the great toe drifting towards the little toes with a slight bump. There is generally less pain at this initial stage. At this stage it is the best time to get assessed and possible treatment which is aimed at slowing down the progression of the deformity.

In moderate stage bunions, there is generally more pain or even secondary symptoms, often effecting the second toe joint. You may even start to notice a “hammering” effect to the second toe. The great toe joint will have drifted further towards the little toes and the joint angle will have increased. Often symptoms can be relieved through offloading devices such as foot orthoses and appropriate footwear.

In severe stages the deformity will have progressed with the great toe possibly “overlaying” or “underlaying” the second toe which has also developed in to a hammer toe deformity. There will be a greater restriction of range of motion through the joint and more pain. Wearing footwear becomes increasingly difficult. At this stage surgery may also be considered to correct the condition.

Treatment

Your Podiatrist will carry out a biomechanical assessment to work out various factors which may be contributing to your bunion deformities before formulating an appropriate treatment plan to help ease your symptoms. Your Podiatrist may discuss custom made foot orthoses as these may help slow down the progression of your bunion deformity by offloading to reduce stress through the joint to help promote healthier foot function.

It is important to consider footwear and wearing shoes with a wide toe box to ease pressure through the forefoot and avoiding certain styles of shoes such as high heels.

In severe cases surgery may be considered. If this is required your Podiatrist would discuss a possible referral to explore any surgical procedures available.

If you have started to develop bunions which are painful or getting worse, get in contact and find out how we can help.