Medical Library: Foot & Ankle – Bunion Correction

Bunions are a bony protuberance at the base of the big toe, and are common problems often resulting in pain and difficulty being mobile. The bunion usually forms as a result of the misalignment of the bones of the foot. The result is pressure and prominence of the base of the big toe, which if untreated, leads to irritation of the soft tissues and causes further swelling and pain.

Bunions are most common in women, usually the result of unsuitable footwear.

As the big toe points more and more toward the other toes, the base of the toe becomes more prominent, forming the bunion. The bunion forms because of the angle of the toe, and due to inflammation over the bunion surface. Eventually, people will experience pain from wearing certain shoes and walking.

Another problem may be the development of a hammer toe as a result of the bunion. The big toe may eventually come to lie under the second toe, which eventually angles up and back like a hammer, which in turn causes further irritation and pain. It is quite common for the second toe of patients who have bunions to form a hammer toe.