Bunions

What are Bunions?

The correct name for a bunion is a Hallux Valgus and it refers to the big toe becoming angled towards the second toe.  The bunion is the symptom of the condition.

Bunions are sometimes painful and can lead to deformity in the second and third toes and obviously there are problems with shoe fitting.

What causes Bunions?

There are a number of causes:

• Women seem more prone than men which may be due to footwear (though bunions occur in societies that don't wear shoes) or to postural problems.
• The modern foot wasn't designed to walk on hard surfaces - so when your foot hits the ground it may compensate by rolling off the side of the big toe.
• They can also be hereditary.

What can a Podiatrist do for you?

• We can assess and diagnose the underlying cause.
• We can recommend stretches and orthoses (insole devices) to prevent the problem getting worse, but this won't change the existing shape of your foot - only surgery will do that.

What can a Podiatrist Surgeon do?

 If your bunion is painful the Podiatrist, after discussion with you, may refer you for surgery.  The aim of surgery is to correct the cause of the bunion and prevent it growing back. 

There are over 100 different surgical procedures available which are dependant on the severity of your condition.  Although many patients have a positive outcome, bunion surgery cannot guarantee a painfree toe or that deformity won't recur again.