BIG TOE DEFORMITY (BUNIONS)

ABOUT BIG TOE DEFORMITIES

A bunion is a toe deformity that affects the big toe. Slowly, the big toe starts angling towards the second toe and a bony bump begins to form on the knuckle of the big toe. As the deformity worsens, the big toe may move under the second toe, turn outwards so that the toenail faces your other foot or cause deformities in other toes. We can treat bunions in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Worksop.

The exact cause of bunions isn’t understood. You’re more likely to develop bunions if:

• Your shoes don’t fit properly

• You have a family history of bunions

• Your joints are more flexible than average

• You have flat feet/fallen arches

• Or, a foot injury or birth defect

Left untreated, bunions can lead to foot deformities and arthritis in the joints of the big toe. A bunion is sometimes called a hallux valgus which comes from the Latin for “big toe pointing outwards”.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS FOR BUNIONS?

Bunions are characterised by the following symptoms:

• A bony lump on the outside of your foot at the bottom of the big toe

• Pain in the big toe

Having a bunion may lead to other food problems, such as:

• Shoes rubbing against the bony lump causing irritation

• Sore skin or hardened skin where the toes rub against each other

• Hammertoes, where the toes curl under themselves

• Bursitis when the bony lump protrudes

• A bunion and arthritis in the toe can make the joint stiff and painful to move

You can also get a bunion on your little toe.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR BUNIONS?

The best treatment for a bunion is wearing well-fitted footwear that is wide enough for your feet. Insoles or orthotics can also be used to support the foot arch and keep your weight properly distributed when walking. Toe spacers can help prevent toes from rubbing against each other. Ice therapy and painkillers can be used to treat the inflammation and the pain caused by bunions. Cortisone injections are often used, especially if the toe is also arthritic. And splints can be used to realign and straighten the toes.

If your bunion continues to get worse, is affecting your other toes or is preventing your from finding shoes or doing everyday activities, then surgery may be an option for you. Book your treatment for bunions in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster or Worksop. You can also follow us on social media.