They are a bone enlargement or deformity joint metatarsophalangeal. The base of the first toe or big toe leaves its normal alignment, progressively shifting outward creating an angle at the apex of which a frequently painful bone and soft tissue bulge protrudes.

In advanced cases, the big toe may be above or below the second toe.This problem sometimes tends to coincide with a inflammation of the bursa, or fluid-filled sac whose function is to cushion the friction between tendons and bones.

Bunions are formed when the balance of forces exerted on the joints and tendons of the foot is disturbed. This can lead to instability of the joint and cause its progressive deformity.

They are usually bilateral, but they can affect one foot more than the other, and although development in adulthood is most common, there may also be juvenile cases.

Many of the problems that occur in the feet are the result of an abnormal pressure. One of the most important being the prolonged use of inappropriate footwear. For this reason it is a much more frequent problem in women than in men.

However, inappropriate shoes are not the only cause of the appearance of bunions, there are other factors that can cause this pathology.

It has been proven that there are hereditary factors, although we must be aware that what is inherited is the type of foot and not the bunion. People with congenital deformities and neuromuscular disorders often develop this problem.

Individuals suffering from flat feet or low arches are too prone to develop this ailment.

Patients with inflammatory joint diseases may suffer from bunions.

Professions that involve overexertion of the foot, such as classical ballet, can trigger bunions.

Symptoms of a bunion include a bulge on the outside of the base of the big toe and corns that often form where the first and second toes rub against each other.

The diagnosis is done through the clinical examination, radiological study, biomechanical examination and footwear analysis used by the patient. Depending on the results obtained, bunions are classified according to their degree of affectation to carry out the appropriate treatment.

Bunion treatment should in principle be conservative with the aim of:

• Provide symptomatic relief avoiding pressure on the bunion.
• Stop the progressive deformation from the joint in order to avoid surgery. For this in our Podomèdic centers we advise:
  • In initial forms of the ailment, apply silicone ortheses for daytime use to avoid as much as possible the deformation of the foot or delay the progression of the deformity.
  • Wear soft and supple leather shoes, ensuring that the foot molds well to the narrowest part of the shoe and does not compress the toes.
  • Use custom orthotics for footwear that allow to control the functionality of the foot, reduce symptoms and prevent the worsening of the deformity.

Surgical treatment is only advised when conservative measures do not provide adequate relief.