Bunions- A bunion: what is it?
A ‘bunion’ or hallux valgus is a condition where the big toe is not pointing straight forward but is tilted abnormally towards the second toe. A ‘bump’ appears on the inside of the big toe joint as a result of this excessive angle over time. We refer to this bump as a bunion.

What signs of a bunion are present?
In addition to being red and swollen, bunions can occasionally hurt. A person’s level of pain is frequently influenced by the kind of shoes they wear, the number and kind of activities they engage in, and how much their big toe points in the direction of their second toe.
The bunion may develop corns or thick, hard skin (callus) as a result of too much pressure from shoes. Additionally, it could be challenging to locate shoes that are sufficiently wide to fit the larger joint.

What can lead to a bunion?
A bunion can happen for several reasons. Frequently, improperly fitting shoes are the primary cause. The big toe joint is greatly strained by tight, thin, high-heeled shoes. Women are more likely than males to have this condition since women wear these shoes more frequently. Additionally, there is evidence that bunions are hereditary, frequently as a result of a biomechanical issue.

If I have a bunion, what should I do?
A podiatrist evaluation is required if you have a bunion. The podiatrists at Greater Manchester Foot Care can often treat bunions conservatively, although some may need to be referred for surgery.

If I have a bunion, what should I avoid doing?
Bunions typically get bigger and hurt more as time goes on. How quickly this will happen is hard to anticipate. A different kind of exercise might be better, and some activities should be evaluated. Shoes that are too tight or have high heels should also be avoided because they can make symptoms worse.

Could a bunion have any long-term consequences?
Because the big toe joint is misaligned, there is a chance that a bunion will impact the smaller toes. Frequently, the tiny toes begin to overlap or alter shape. Additionally, a painful bursa—a fluid-filled sac—may form beneath the skin around the bunion. Although surgery may be the best course of action to address the issue, early conservative care with podiatry can help to limit the condition’s growth.

Bunion treatment in podiatry
A podiatrist can offer advice on appropriate footwear to assist, halt the condition’s growth and improve comfort. Your podiatrist can remove any corns or callus that may develop over the bunion. The bunion can be protected and cushioned with silicone gel devices. Your podiatrist can finalise a surgical referral if these conservative measures don’t provide enough relief.