What Are the Presenting Symptoms of Hallux Valgus?

Hallux valgus is the medical term for bunions. A bunion is a bony bump that forms over time at the base of your big toe. These bumps do cause pain and other symptoms. If home remedies do not help, you may need to see a podiatrist.

Pain

• Pain can occur at the site of the bunion as well as the surrounding area. It is usually more intense when wearing tight shoes.

Appearance

• A bump will form on the outside base of the big toe. It is often accompanied by redness and swelling of the surrounding area.

Toes

• A bunion affects all of the toes by pushing the big toe into the second toe, which in turn pushes into the middle toe. This pressure will actually change how the toenails grow, shifting from the center of the tow to the outer edge.

Corn or Callus

• A corn or a callus can develop on the second toe from the constant pressure of the big toe.

Treatment

• The easiest treatments are changing shoes to stop the pressure on the big toe and using shoe inserts to help your foot positioning. In extreme cases where bunions affect daily living, surgery may be required.