What are Bunions?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It occurs when some of the bones in the front part of your foot move out of their normal position. This causes the tip of your big toe to get pulled toward the smaller toes and forces the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out.
Causes and Risk Factors
- While the exact cause is not always clear, several factors can contribute to bunion development:
- Inherited foot type or structure
- Wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes
- Foot stress or injuries
- Certain medical conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis
- Family history of bunions
Signs and Symptoms
Bunions can present with several noticeable symptoms, including:
- Visible Bump: A bulging bump at the base of the big toe.
- Pain and Tenderness: Discomfort around the big toe joint, which may worsen with activity.
- Swelling and Redness: Inflammation in the affected area.
- Corn and Callus Formation: Thickened skin where the big toe rubs against the second toe.
- Limited Movement: Reduced flexibility of the big toe.
- Shoe Fit Issues: Difficulty finding comfortable footwear due to the bunion.
- If you experience these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult an orthotist for assessment and management options.
Orthotic Treatment
- Consider consulting an orthotist if you experience:
- Ongoing big toe or foot pain
- A visible bump on your big toe joint
- Decreased movement of your big toe or foot
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit properly due to the bunion
- Early intervention and proper orthotic care can help manage bunion symptoms and potentially slow their progression. Custom orthoses and appropriate footwear recommendations are key components of non-surgical bunion management.