Do I Have a Bunion?

Lets begin at the beginning, where does the term "bunion" come from?  The term "Bunion" originated in 1718, from E. Anglian dialectic, "bunny", which meant:  "lump, swelling".  The Podiatric term used to describe a bunion is hallux valgus.  Hallux is Latin for great toe, while Valgus describes the change in position of the great toe.  Valgus is seen when the great toe begins to move closer to the 2nd toe, as opposed to being straight.

Today "Bunion" is a commonly used term to describe an area around the great (big), toe joint of your foot.  This area can appear enlarged, and prominent.  Some bunions are just that, bumps on the side of the great toe, without pain or discomfort.  Bunions come in all shapes and sizes.  Most patients who have symptomatic bunions complain of pain on the medial, or inner aspect of the big toe joint. However, bunions may also cause pain on the top of or underneath the big toe joint, or even under the second toe.  Some severe bunions may cause the 2nd toe to become contracted, at times even overlapping the great toe.   If you have a bunion you may have pain with shoe pressure, when walking or with any motion.  My patients often complain of soreness, and throbbing especially following increased activities or wearing their favorite shoes.

  But is a Bunion just a bump?  It could be.  Some bunions are really the result of such disorders as, Gout, Skin/Soft tissue cysts, Arthritis, or other inflammatory conditions.  However: the visible bump may actually reflect a change in the bony structure of the front part of the foot. The big toe leans toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead. This throws the bones out of alignment – producing the bunion’s “bump.”

Bunions are considered a progressive disorder. They can begin with a leaning of the big toe, gradually changing the angle of the bones over the years and slowly producing the characteristic bump, which becomes increasingly prominent.

Don't think you need surgery for that bump yet!  You should visit your podiatrist for a thorough evaluation.

Next.. different types of Bunions and conservative treatments.

Notice "Bump" at the great joint, and the great toe angling closer to the 2nd toe.

As the "Bunion" gets larger and the 2nd toe changes position the foot gets wider.