If you experience pain in your big toe joint, there is a possibility that you could have a bunion. A bunion is a structural deformity of the bones and joint between the foot and big toe. Bunions can sometimes be very painful. It is the enlargement of the bone or tissues around the joint right at the base of the big toe. Patients may experience angulation, which is when the big toe turns inward towards the second toe, and the tissues surrounding that joint may become swollen and tender.

Cause of Bunions

Bunions are caused when specific tendons, ligaments, and supportive structures of the first metatarsal no longer function properly. This may be caused by a variety of other conditions like flat feet, abnormal bone structure, or a neurological condition. Many of the factors that cause bunions are often considered genetic. Although there is another school of thought that believes that poor fitting footwear is to blame for the formation of bunions. Still, others believe that poor footwear only contributes to the problems already present through genetics.

Bunion Treatment

Conservative treatment of bunions addresses the symptoms more so than correct the actual deformity. These treatments may involve changes in footwear or custom orthotics, ice, rest and medications. Although always a last resort and only after exhausting all other avenues of treatment, Dr. Caldwell may decide to treat the problem through a surgical procedure to correct the deformity.