Types of Bunions

Bunions are a common foot problem. Women are more likely to get bunions than men. Bunions are abnormal bumps or inflammations around the joints in your feet. Bunions cause your joints to become enlarged and your toes to crowd. This can result in pressure on your joints that causes pain and discomfort. If caught early, bunions can be treated before they cause you any pain.

Causes

• Bunions are commonly caused by wearing poorly fitting shoes. When you wear shoes that are tight around your toes, you risk causing irritation that can lead to bunions. Bunions can also be caused by an inherited structural defect such as flat feet. Having flat feet is the result of no arch support. Having flat feet affects how your feet move when you walk and can cause additional stress on your foot joints. Bunions can also be caused by a medical condition such as arthritis.

Bumps or Bends

• Most bunions first show up as a bump or outward bend of your toe. These may not cause you pain or discomfort. Even without pain, these bumps or bends will affect your foot. They can stretch ligaments that connect the foot bones and pull your tendons. These bumps or bends can progress and cause the toe to become misaligned. At this stage, simple lifestyle changes like wearing looser fitting shoes or using shoe inserts can prevent the bump or bend from worsening.

Acute Bunions

• Acute bunions cause sharp pain and are the result of bursitis. Bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs that covers and cushions your joints becomes inflamed. These sacs allow your bones, tendons and muscles to move smoothly. Inflammation to the sacs can be caused by injury or chronic overuse. This type of bunion can be controlled with the help of your doctor.

Hallux Valgus

• Hallux valgus is a chronic deformity of your bones. These bunions appear as bone growths that cause your joint to become misaligned. Hallux valgus can cause you to have difficulty walking or standing or to lose your balance. These bunions also cause discomfort and pain. Making lifestyle changes and wearing loose-fitting shoes can help relieve discomfort. Surgery is the only permanent way to correct this type of bunion.

Treatments

• If you are experiencing discomfort switch to looser- fitting shoes. Add padding to the area affected by the bunion. Use shoes inserts to correct flat feet or other deformities. If your bunion continues to worsen, surgery may be needed. Surgery is the only permanent way to correct a bunion.