Bunion (hallux valgus)
What is a bunion?
The hallux valgus or bunion is a deformity of the big toe, which deviates towards the rest of the toes, overlapping the second toe and causing the appearance of a bump on the outer edge of the toe.
What are the symptoms?
The foot with hallux valgus becomes swollen and painful in the area where the toe joins the rest of the foot, which usually worsens with walking and as the protrusion evolves. More bone grows at the base of the big toe than usual, in addition to the appearance of a fluid-filled sac. In addition, other symptoms are calloused and reddened skin along the inner edge at the base of the big toe, bony protrusion in the first joint of the same toe, with reduced movement at the site of the toe, pain in the joint that is aggravated by pressure from shoes and difficulty in wearing regular footwear, rotation of the toe in the direction of the other toes and that can overlap the second toe with the consequent appearance of calluses.
Causes of the bunion or why it is produced
The causes of the appearance of bunions are hereditary factors, inflammatory rheumatisms, alterations of the foot or the use of inadequate footwear. In the first case, people who congenitally suffer from some pathology affecting the bones are more prone to suffer from hallux valgus. The use of narrow-toed shoes and high heels can also lead to hallux valgus.
Can it be prevented?
To prevent the appearance of bunions it is essential to be attentive to the development of our feet. When there are calluses or hardness on the inside of the big toe and its deformation on the outside, it is advisable to take some kind of measure to avoid its worsening. Even so, what is recommended is the use of flexible shoes, without too much heel, if possible of leather, that adapts well to the foot, without having a very narrow toe and with a cushioned interior. In case of already having a small presence of pain at the moment of doing some type of intense exercise, it should be avoided.
What does the treatment consist of?
The hallux valgus can be treated with the administration of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, exercises and physiotherapeutic massages, local application of heat or cold or even the use of pads in the bunion area. We recommend the use of wide shoes with enough space so that the toes are not squeezed, the use of felt or foam inserts in the foot to protect the bunion or the so-called interdigital spacers to separate the first toe from the second toe. It is also possible to make a hole in those old and comfortable shoes to use them at home. The operation, called bunionectomy, is only indicated in severe cases in which there is a high difficulty to walk. It realigns the toe and removes the bony protrusion.