Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

What is a bunion?

A bunion is when your big toe is angled towards the second toe. This causes a bump on the side at the base of the big toe. In addition there is often thickening of the skin and tissues next to the affected joint. The thickened skin and tissues may become inflamed, swollen and painful. Sometimes a fluid filled sac (bursa) develops over the joint.

What causes bunions?

What symptoms and problems are caused by bunions?

• Pain. You may then have difficulty walking due to pain.
• Inflammation and swelling at the base of the toe. This sometimes becomes infected.
• The foot may become so wide that it can be difficult to find wide enough shoes.

What is the treatment for bunions?

Good footwear is often all that is needed

Wearing good footwear does not cure the deformity but may ease symptoms of pain and discomfort. Ideally, get advice about footwear from a podiatrist or chiropodist. Advice may include:

• Wear shoes, trainers or slippers that fit well and are roomy.
• Don't wear high-heeled, pointed or tight shoes.
• Padding over the bunion may help.

Medication

Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may ease any pain. If the bunion develops as part of an arthritis then other medication may be advised. A course of antibiotics may be needed if the skin and tissues over the deformity become infected.

Surgery

An operation may be advised if a change of footwear does not ease symptoms. The aim of the operation is to straighten the joint as much as possible. There are many different types of operation which are used to treat bunions. These range from operations to 'trim' parts of the joint, to a total artificial replacement of the big toe joint (similar to a knee or a hip replacement). The operation chosen by the specialist depends on the severity of the bunion, the shape of your foot, and other factors such as if you have arthritis in the joint.

An operation is usually successful at easing symptoms, but not in all cases. Your specialist will be able to advise on the pros and cons of surgery, and the success rate of the chosen operation.