Bunions
A bunion is a “bump” on the joint at the base of the big toe—the
metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint—that forms when the bone or tissue at
the big toe joint moves out of place. The toe is forced to bend toward the
others, causing an often painful lump of bone on the foot. Because this
joint carries a lot of the body's weight while walking, bunions can cause
extreme pain if left untreated. The MTP joint itself may become stiff and
sore, making even the wearing of shoes difficult or impossible. A bunion—
from the Latin "bunio," meaning enlargement—can also occur on the
outside of the foot along the little toe, where it is called a "bunionette" or
"tailor's bunion".
Bunions form when the normal balance of forces that is exerted on the
joints and tendons of the foot becomes disrupted. This disruption can lead
to instability in the joint and cause the deformity. Bunions are brought
about by years of abnormal motion and pressure over the MTP joint. They
are, therefore, a symptom of faulty foot development and are usually
caused by the way we walk and our inherited foot type or our shoes.
Although bunions tend to run in families, it is the foot type that is passed
down—not the bunion. Parents who suffer from poor foot mechanics can
pass their problematic foot type on to their children, who in turn are prone
to developing bunions. The abnormal functioning caused by this faulty foot
development can lead to pressure being exerted on and within the foot,
often resulting in bone and joint deformities such as bunions and
hammertoes.
Other causes of bunions are foot injuries, neuromuscular disorders, or
congenital deformities. People who suffer from flat feet or low arches are
also prone to developing these problems, as are arthritic patients and
those with inflammatory joint disease. Occupations that place undue
stress on the feet are also a factor; ballet dancers, for instance, often
develop the condition.
Wearing shoes that are too tight or cause the toes to be squeezed
together is also a common factor, one that explains the high prevalence of
the disorder among women.
The symptoms of a bunion include the following:
Development of a firm bump on the outside edge of the foot, at the base
of the big toe
Redness, swelling, or pain at or near the MTP joint
Corns or other irritations caused by the overlap of the first and second toes
Restricted or painful motion of the big toe