Bunions are a common foot deformity that develops near the base of the big toe. They are mainly caused by wearing the wrong shoes, putting too much stress on the foot, or having a hereditary foot structure. If you don’t take care of this, it could cause a lot of pain, swelling, and trouble moving. 

For anyone who wants to take the NEET PG exam, it’s quite important to know about these kinds of clinical situations for both the test and real life. DocTutorials makes this learning process easier by providing in-depth NEET PG study materials that include extensive explanations, high-yield knowledge, and expert advice.  

Keep reading for a detailed insight into the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of a bunion. 

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is a painful protrusion on the bone at the base of the big toe, where the toe meets the foot at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The medical term for this condition is hallux valgus. It develops when the big toe slowly moves towards the smaller toes, which causes the joints to change shape and become misaligned.

Bunions normally develop slowly over time because of constant pressure on the toe joint, which might be from wearing shoes that don’t fit well or from genetic abnormalities with the structure of the foot. The ensuing deformation can cause pain, stiffness, and trouble walking, especially in tight shoes.

These are more common in women, and genetics plays a big role, especially in teenagers. Conservative therapies like wider shoes and orthotics usually help with symptoms, but if the pain doesn’t go away, surgery may be needed.

What are the Causes of Bunions?

Bunions develop over time because of a complicated interplay of structural, mechanical, and environmental causes. Even while the exact cause isn’t always clear, there are a number of factors that make it far more likely that someone may get this deformity, such as:

• Genetics and Foot Shape: If someone in your family has had bunions or other structural foot abnormalities, such as flat feet or low arches, you are more likely to get this condition. 
• Unusual Foot Mechanics: The way you walk or put weight on your feet may put too much stress on the big toe joint, causing it to go out of alignment slowly.
• Wearing Tight Shoes: Wearing shoes that are too tight, narrow, or pointed, especially those with high heels, can push the toes together and cause bunions to form over time.
• Long-Term Pressure on the MTP Joint: Activities that need you to stand or carry weight for a long time, including some jobs or sports, can put persistent tension on the big toe joint. This can cause a bunion on the toe.
• Inflammatory Disorders: Autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can induce inflammation and damage to joints, which can lead to bunions.
• Congenital Deformities: Structural issues at birth can make it more likely for bunions to grow later in adulthood.
• Foot Injuries: If you’ve hurt your foot or big toe joint in the past, it could modify how your body moves and make you more likely to get bunions.
• Gender: Women are far more likely to get bunions than men. This could be because women wear shoes that don’t fit properly, because their feet are shaped differently.

What are the Symptoms of Bunions? 

Bunions can cause a number of symptoms that change how the foot appearance and how it works. The bony lump on the foot is the most obvious sign, but other signs can also cause pain, trouble moving, and trouble wearing shoes. Some common signs are:

• A visible hump at the bottom of the big toe.
• Pain or soreness in the big toe. 
• Corns or calluses on the toes where they rub together. 
• The area around the big toe joint may be red, swollen, or discoloured. 
• Having trouble walking or pain when wearing some shoes. 
• Rough skin on the bottom of the foot. 
• The place that hurts may feel hot or sensitive. 
• The big toe is stiff or has a limited range of motion. 
• Hammertoes are when the smaller toes bend strangely.
• Numbness in or around the big toe.

What is the Diagnosis of Bunions?

Your healthcare professional will mostly use a physical exam to figure out if you have bunions. Your doctor will check the anatomy and alignment of your foot and ask about your problems. You will be asked when the bump first showed up, if it hurts, and what activities make your pain worse.

In most cases, an X-ray is used to measure how bad the bunion is and check the alignment of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and the bones next to it. These test findings are important for deciding on a treatment, especially if surgery is an option.

What is the Treatment for Bunions?

How severe the bunion is and how much discomfort it causes in the foot will determine how it is treated. Here are some important ways to deal with and treat this condition:

• Wearing shoes that are loose-fitting and have large toe boxes can help ease bunion pain and pressure when you walk or stand.
• You can buy bunion pads and bunion cushions at the store to add extra cushioning around the bony hump. This may help minimise friction and make wearing shoes more comfortable.
• With the right foot alignment, shoe inserts or orthotics can ease pressure on the joint and may slow the growth of the bunion.
• You can use ice to minimise swelling and pain by putting an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes after using your feet for a long time, especially after you come home.
• Taping or splinting your big toe in a straight posture can assist in maintaining it straight. This will realign the joint and relieve pressure while you sleep or rest.
• Pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen sodium may aid with pain and swelling. In more serious situations, doctors may provide corticosteroid shots.
• You may also strengthen all the muscles in your foot, make them more flexible, and help your big toe line up better with physical therapy and certain foot exercises.
• Surgery is an option if the first therapies do not work. You might be able to fix the bone, take out tissue, or fuse the joint through surgery.

FAQs About Bunions 

1. Where is a bunion foot found?

A bunion foot is a bony growth that develops on the joint at the base of the big toe. It develops when some of the bones in the front of the foot shift out of their normal place.

2. What causes a bunion?

Too much looseness or hypermobility in the foot, as well as different kinds of arthritis, can cause bunions. Bunions can also develop because of foot trauma, birth defects, or small differences in leg length.

3. When do bunions occur?

Bunions commonly develop over time. They can keep getting worse over time if you don’t take care of them properly, including by changing your shoes or wearing orthotics.

4. What are the consequences of neglecting bunions?

If you don’t address a bunion, it can get worse and cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Your big toe can go more and more out of line, which can make your joints unstable and make it hard to walk.

5. What should be avoided if you have bunions?

If you have bunions, you might want to stay away from high-purine meals like red meat, seafood, and organ meats because they can make your joints more inflamed.

Conclusion

A bunion is a common foot problem that people often mistake for other issues. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve quality of life and delay the need for surgery. 

DocTutorials has in-depth, professionally prepared study tools that help medical students understand clinical courses better. Join DocTutorials today and explore our NEET PG course to excel in your medical career!