A bunion (hallux valgus, hallux abducto valgus) is a sometimes painful structural deformity of the bones and the joint between the foot and big toe. The term "bunion" originally referred to an inflamed and painful bursal sac on the side of the great toe joint. A bunion is an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint). If you have a bunion, you will notice a bump on your big toe joint. The big toe may turn in toward the second toe (displacement), and the tissues surrounding the joint may be swollen and tender.
A bunion is a bony bump, usually at the bottom of the big toe. A bunion is a sometimes painful deformity of the bones and the joint between the big toe and the foot. A bunion could have developed via long-term irritation (inflammation) from arthritis, loosely fitting shoes, and heredity, any of which can cause this joint at the base of the big toe to thicken and enlarge.
When the angle between the bones of the big and second toes is bigger than normal, the big toe moves towards the second toe and will usually goes over or under it. In some cases the adjacent toes begin to buckle or become a "hammertoe".
A bunion (excess or misaligned bone in the joint) and bunion is one of the most common big toe problems. 9 out of 10 bunions happen to women. 9 out of 10 women wear shoes that are too small. A bunion changes the shape of your foot, making it even harder to find shoes that fit. But you do not have to hobble for the rest of your life.
To lessen the chance of developing a bunion, choose shoes that accommodate the shape of your feet; many bunions are caused by poorly-fitting shoes, which may be too tight, short, or sharply pointed.
Bunions can be treated, and with your podiatrist's help, your feet can feel and look better. When the bunion pain is so unbearable you will know that it is probably time to get proper bunion treatment; could be a bunion regulator (bunion night splint) to be use at night, permanent bunion removal in the form of a bunion surgery or bunion operation.
Following the surgery, the period of bunion surgery recovery is about 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on the amount of soft tissue and bone affected. Complete healing may take up to a year.
