Bunions

The medical term for bunions is Hallux Valgus and it is one of the most common problems seen in a podiatric office. A bunion is a prominent bump on the inside of the foot around the big toe joint. This is a bone protruding towards the inside of the foot. With continued movement of the big toe towards the smaller toes, it is common to find the big toe resting under or over the second toe. Some of the symptoms of bunions include inflammation, swelling, and soreness on the side surface of the big toe.

Another type of bunion wh

ich some people can experience is called a Tailor's bunion or a bunionette. This is on the outside of the foot towards the joint at the little toe. It is a smaller bump that forms due to the little toe moving inwards, towards the big toe.

This condition is experienced mostly by women because it can be caused by wearing improper fitting footwear. Tight, narrow dress shoes with a constrictive toe box can cause the foot to begin to take the shape of the shoe, leading to the formation of a bunion. Women have a tendency to wear dress shoes that are too small for their feet. Their toes are squeezed together in their shoes causing the first metatarsal bone to protrude on the side of the foot.

It is important for men

and women to realize that wearing dress shoes and boots, which are tapered in the toe area, can cause the bunion to worsen to the point where surgery may be necessary.

The best way to alleviate the pain with bunions is to wear properly fitting shoes. Shoes with a high, wide toe box is recommended for people with forefoot pain. Orthotics are also recommended for this condition to provide extra comfort, support and protection.

Other conservative treatments include using forefoot products such as bunion sleeve, or

bunion night splints. These conservative treatments can limit the progression of the bunion formation, and relieve pain.

This is a picture of a bunion sleeve which has a gel that fits over the sore bunion area. It helps to protect the bunion from rubbing in the shoe and provides comfort.

This can be found at our website at www.vailfoot.com. There are many other products for bunions also on this website.

If you experience any of these symptoms just give our office a call at 419-423-1888 to set up an appointment Dr. T. F. Vail, DPM