Common
Foot Conditions
Bunion Pain
Bunions are one of the most common forefoot deformities. A
displacement of the bone under the 1st toe occurs. This causes
the big toe to move towards the smaller toes. This shifting
of the bones causes a bony prominence on the side of the patients
foot (the bunion joint). Over a period of time the big toe
may come to rest under (occasionally over) the 2nd toe.
A bunion
is more common in women than men due to women wearing tighter
fitting shoes. This condition can cause a variety of different
soft tissue and bony complaints which may result in severe
pain.
Symptoms include redness, swelling and pain
which may be present along the inside margin of the foot.
The patients feet may become too wide to fit into their normal
size shoe and may experience moderate to severe discomfort
may occur when the patient is wearing tight shoes. A "hammer
toe" may occur at the 2nd toe. This is when the toe contracts
and presses on the shoe. Subsequently, this may cause a corn
on top of the 2nd toe.
Corns
and calluses may occur on the soles of the feet, in between
toes and on the bunion joint. Stiffness can occur at the big
toe due to secondary arthritis, this is known as Hallux Rigidus.
Other foot conditions can occur such as in growing toe nails
and in severe cases the bunion joint may have a fluid filled
sack called a BURSITIS. This can be very painful and can become
infected. Click here to view photographs of bunions.
Causes
of Bunions