Constant pain with every step you takes is driving you crazy? It looks as if your big toe is leading a life of its own and shifting farther and farther towards the other toes? In addition, the ball of your toe pushes outwards more and more, you see a reddening and because of this askew position, shoes hardly fit anymore? Then you realize: you’re experiencing bunions.
A Bunion Overview
Hallux valgus or more commonly known as bunion is a deformity of the big toe. The big toe often bends towards the other toes and the joint becomes red and painful. The onset of bunions is typically gradual Complications may include bursitis or arthritis.
A Bunion Symptoms
1.The signs and symptoms of a bunion include:
2.A bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe
3.Swelling, redness or soreness around your big toe joint
4.Corns or calluses — these often develop where the first and second toes rub against each other
5.Ongoing pain or pain that comes and goes
6.Limited movement of your big toe
Hallux valgus classification
With the help of the X-rays your doctor can determine the exact severity of your hallux valgus. A certain angle is calculated for this. It describes the distance or deviation of your big toe from the other toe bones.
mild hallux valgus: angle 21-30 degrees
moderate hallux valgus: angle 31-40 degrees
severe hallux valgus: over 40 degrees
Causes and Risk Factors for Bunions
The etiology of bunions is unclear, but most are caused by family history, especially in adolescents. In addition, the important reason is caused by improper wear of shoes hallux deformity. But not all of the shoes that don’t fit will have bunions, there are foot deformity itself can also cause bunions.
These factors might increase your risk of bunions:
High heels. Wearing high heels forces your toes into the front of your shoes, often crowding your toes.
Ill-fitting shoes. People who wear shoes that are too tight, too narrow or too pointed are more likely to develop bunions.
Rheumatoid arthritis. Having this inflammatory condition can make you more likely to develop bunions.
Heredity. The tendency to develop bunions might be the result of an inherited problem with the structure or anatomy of your foot.
Old-age factor. The stability of the foot and the flexibility of the ligaments with increasing age can trigger bunions.
In this chapter we have learned about the symptoms and causes of bunions. We would like to stop this process together with you, so bunions no longer run your life. How do you get rid of bunions on your feet, is something that you will learn in the next chapter?
