Foot Problems

Bunions

A bunion is an enlargement at the base of the big toe caused by a mal-alignment of the joint. It may be swollen, tender and painful, especially when wearing shoes.

Source: British Columbia Association of Podiatrist - http://www.foothealth.ca/ Retrieved: 2009-06-01

Image Source: Wikipedia.org - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hallux_Valgus-Aspect_pr%C3%A9_op_d%C3%A9charge.JPG Retrieved: 2009-06-01

Statistics

  • 8 out of 1,000 males have a bunion.
  • 38 out of 1,000 females have a bunion.
  • 55 out of 1,000 people aged 65 or older have a bunion.
  • 63% of patients with bunions see a podiatrist.

Causes Of Bunions

  • Heredity
  • Biomechanical abnormalities
  • Neuromuscular disorders
  • Inflammatory joint disease (arthritis)
  • Trauma
  • Congenital deformities
  • Ill-fitting shoes

What can you do?

  • Wear a shoe with good support and a wide toe box.
  • Apply cold compresses.
  • Soak the foot in lukewarm water to relieve pain.
  • Use over-the-counter foot pads.
  • Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.

What can a Podiatrist do?

  • Perform a physical examination of the foot.
  • Request X-ray, bone scan, CT, MRI or other imaging studies to be ordered by the G.P.
  • Recommend padding or taping.
  • Prescribe orthoses as needed.
  • Perform surgery as indicated.