BASIC INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
A bony protrusion from the outside edge of the joint at
the base of the big (first) toe. Three times as many
women as men have the disorder.
FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- An inward-turned first toe that may overlap the second
and sometimes the third toe.
- Thickened skin over the bony protrusion at the base
of the first toe (callus).
- Fluid accumulation under the thickened skin (sometimes).
- Foot pain and stiffness.
CAUSES
Hallux valgus. The technical name for the big toe is hallux.
If the big toe has grown or been forced into a position
where it overlaps one or more of the other toes,
that is called hallux valgus.
RISK INCREASES WITH
- Family history of foot abnormalities (inherited weakness
in toe joints).
- Arthritis.
- Narrow-toed, high-heeled shoes that compress toes
together.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
- Exercise daily to keep muscles of the feet and legs in
good condition.
- Wear wide-toed shoes that fit well. Don't wear high
heels or shoes without room for toes in their normal
position.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Usually curable with treatment and preventive measures
to guard against recurrence.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Infection of the bunion, especially in persons with
diabetes mellitus.
- Inflammation and arthritic changes in other joints
caused by walking difficulty, which places abnormal
stress on the foot, hip and spine.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
- Before bedtime, separate the first toe from the others
with a foam-rubber pad.
- Wear a thick, ring-shaped adhesive pad around and
over the bunion.
- Use arch supports to relieve pressure on the bunion.
These are available in shoe-repair shops.
- Surgery to remove the overgrown tissue (bunion) and
to correct the position of the bones.
MEDICATIONS
Medicine usually is not necessary for this disorder
unless infection develops.
ACTIVITY
If surgery is necessary, resume your normal activities
gradually afterward. Walk on your heels until the surgical
site heals. Elevate the foot of the bed to reduce
swelling.
DIET
NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN IF
- You or a family member has a bunion that is interfering
with normal activities.
- Signs of infection, such as fever, heat, tenderness or
pain, develop after treatment or surgery.
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