Bunions, medically called 'hallux valgus', are a foot condition involving a common bone deformity at the outer edge of the foot which generates severe discomfort and makes it difficult for the patient to perform normal daily tasks.
The condition occurs more frequently in women as one of the common causes is the continued use of too-narrow shoes and high heels. Although diagnosis is quite simple, in the following OneHowTo article we will reveal what the main symptoms of bunions are so you can detect their presence from the start.
Bunions appear due to an alteration of the balance of forces usually exerted on the foot joint, which can cause instability and result in deformation over time. That is why bunions are often caused by genetic factors related to the inherited foot type, by the continued use of over-tight shoes or heels, or a particular way of walking, among other things.
It is worth noting that bunions are a progressive disease that begin as a leaning of the big toe, which progresses with time and the angle of the normal bone changes. This eventually leads to the bony protrusion at the base of the big toe which is the main indication of the presence of a bunion in the joint.
In addition to the appearance of the bony protrusion, bunions are accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Red and calloused skin on the side of the big toe.
- Aches, pains and swelling in the toe joint.
- Limited mobility of the affected toe.
- Burning and sometimes numbness.
- The rotation of the big toe, which can potentially cause this to be mounted onto the second toe and lead to the emergence of calluses and other irritations.
At the slightest sign of pain or discomfort in the foot or identification of some deformity, visit the doctor immediately to start the appropriate treatment and avoid having to undergo surgery.
Normally treatments for bunions are a series of steps to help relieve pressure and slow the progressive deformation of the foot. Among them are wearing wide shoes, inserts, night correctors, taking anti-inflammatory drugs or external treatments to reduce swelling and discomfort. For more information on the treatment of bunions, consult the articles:
- How to heal bunions
- Home remedies to relieve bunion pain
In the event that these treatments do not help this disease and the deformity of the joint progresses to the point that it interferes with the daily activities of the patient, it's time to consider undergoing a surgical intervention to realign the toe and remove the bony bump and get rid of the associated pain.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to What are the Symptoms of Bunions, we recommend you visit our Family health category.