Bunions a pain in the toe and it may be painful!!Bunions are an abnormal deformity of the bones at the side of the foot joint between the foot and base of the big toe. Normally, the big toe is naturally in line with the long bone leading up to it (the first metatarsal) and the toes spread outwards from this. However, sometimes a deformity, known as a hallux valgus, can develop. The big toe is angled inwards towards the other toes, causing the joint at the base of the big toe to stick out. In reality they are caused by a biomechanical abnormality. This biomechanical abnormality may be caused by a variety of conditions intrinsic to the structure of the foot--such as flat feet, excessive ligamentous flexibility, abnormal bone structure, and certain neurological conditions.
They can also occur on the joint of your little toe (bunionette).
It is also possible that they can develop as a result of inherited structural defect, injury, stress on your foot or another medical condition. Simple steps, pun, to ease the discomfort may include changing your shoes for a wider fitting, padding your bunion and wearing shoe inserts. Orthotics Orthotics are specific cushions, splints and regulators. Conservative measures include various footwear like gelled toe spacers, toes separators, regulators, splints, and cushions. Severe cases may require surgery to relieve the pain. Symptoms may include * A Bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe. * Swelling, redness or soreness around your big toe joint. * Thickening of the skin at the base of your big toe. * Corns or calluses — these develop where the first and second toes overlap. * Persistent or intermittent pain.
Acknowledgement:Wikipedia.
A new surgical procedure that is far less invasive, quicker more effective and far less painful and allowing almost immediate return to a normally active life is now being carried out with great success. Contrary to popular belief bunions are not additional bone so there is no need to shave any healthy bone away as this will not solve the problems of pain and discomfort. With the new procedure a small 2mm incision is made through the skin just below the bunion. Then, using a special drill the surgeon cuts through the bone cleanly without disturbing the surrounding skin or soft tissue. The toe is then pulled free, rotated slightly and realigned to the right position. None of the ligaments are touched because all of the toes are joined by ligaments but by shifting the toe into the correct position this has the effect of tightening the ligaments and restoring the natural foot arch. Once the big toe is restored to the correct position a long titanium wire is pushed through the tip of the big toe, curving a small bit of it externally around the big toe to return it to the right position. Using just a single stitch the skin is closed and the patient's foot is dressed and a compression pad put over the skin and a toe alignment splint put around the ball of the pad to keep the toe in place. The whole operation is carried out under local anaesthetic allowing the patient to stand up and walk out of the operating theatre without the need for crutches, braces, casts or anything else. Patients are then encouraged to walk around to keep the joints flexible. Naturally painkillers are initially required and regular applications of ice packs to assist the reduction of swelling. This simple two-minute operation should be a welcome relief to 85 per cent of the female population over the age of 45 who suffer from this painful condition. For more information in the UK contact the European Foot Institute on 01903 261 593 Return to top of Bunions page Return to Foot Conditions |
The most common cause is wearing shoes that fit too tightly, forcing the toe to crowd against your other toes putting pressure on your big toe joint.Thus your big toe joint becomes enlarged and often results in pain. 