Many individuals, particular females, suffer from bunions. This foot disorder can cause much pain and discomfort if left untreated. Early treatment can alleviate much of the pain and discomfort associated with this condition.

What is a bunion?
A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe. Often the big toe points toward the second toe. This swelling can become very painful especially when walking. In some individuals the wearing of shoes can be painful. In other’s the disorder can prevent the wearing of shoes.

What are the symptoms of bunion?
Symptoms include the following:
· Big toe turned toward the other toes
· Red, calloused skin along the foot at the base of the big toe
· Firm bump on the outside edge of the foot, at the base of the big toe
· Corns or other irritations caused by the overlap of the first and second toes
· Pain or swelling over the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint

How is the condition diagnosed?
A doctor can usually diagnose a bunion by looking at it. An X-ray can confirm the diagnosis.

How do you get a bunion?
Although bunions run in families, it is the foot type that is passed down, rather than the bunion. Bunions form when the normal balance of forces that is exerted on the joints and tendons of the foot becomes disrupted. This leads to instability in the joint and cause deformity.
Bunions are often caused by narrow-toed, high-heeled shoes. This may account for the disorder being more frequent in women than men. Women in general tend to wear shoes that are often too small in size for them.
Other causes of bunions are foot injuries, neuromuscular disorders and congenital disorders.
People who have flat feet or low foot arches are at an increased risk of developing bunions.

Prevention
Individuals should avoid compressing the toes of their feet. They should avoid narrow, poor fitting shoes.

Treatment
Individuals with bunions should wear wide-toed shoes. If the bunions are inflamed and very painful the application of ice packs several times a day may be helpful. Individuals should avoid high-heeled shoes over two inches tall, but this may be difficult for many females in light of the fashions in shoes today. All individuals with bunions should see their health care provider; you may require referral to a specialist in foot disorders. Specific treatment for bunions will vary with the type and severity of each bunion.
Early diagnosis is important as bunions left untreated can become very large and may make non-surgical treatment less effective.
The main goal of early treatment is to relieve pressure on the bunion and halt the progression of joint deformity.
Non-surgical treatment options include padding and taping, medication and physical therapy.
When early treatment fails your doctor may recommend a variety of surgical procedures.

What are some complications of untreated bunions?
Complications include the following:
· Chronic foot pain
· Foot deformity
· Stiff foot

Conclusion
Bunions are a common foot disorder found predominantly in females of all ages. A leading factor associated with bunions is the wearing of narrow-toed, high-heeled shoes. Bunions can cause much pain and discomfort when walking. There are many treatment options for bunions. In the early stages non-surgical treatments are very successful but in many individuals a surgical procedure may be required. The prognosis depends on many factors including the age and activities of the individual and the severity of the bunion.

Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr. Brett Hodge is an obstetrician/gynaecologist and family doctor who has over twenty years in clinical practice. Dr. Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.

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