Bunions

Bunions

What is it?

A bunion occurs when the big toe overlaps one or more toes, causing a bump to form on the inside edge of the toe.

Causes, Symptoms and Risk Factors

Bunions can be hereditary and women tend to be more prone to them than men. Other risk factors include:

• Having arthritis
• Having flat feet
• Wearing high heels or shoes that are too narrow.

Bunions can be painful. Other symptoms include:

• Thick skin developing over the bump at the base of the big toe
• A fluid-filled sac that forms at the base of the big toe

Tests

A doctor can diagnose a bunion with a physical examination and review of the symptoms. In some cases, the doctor will take X-rays to confirm that there is a bunion.

Treatments

Some actions that may help treat a bunion include wearing spacers to separate the toes at night and wearing wider-toed shoes.

If the bunion becomes too painful, a surgeon may perform a bunionectomy to remove the bump and realign the toe.