What is a bunion? This is a common medical question many people have as they do not know what bunions are, and they are unsure as to whether they may have one. However, it is important for individuals to know as much as possible about bunions so that they will be able to recognize when they have one so that they can seek medical attention. To help you to better understand what bunions are, we will quickly summarize the essential information about this condition including a definition of what they are and an explanation of the symptoms and causes of bunions.
Defining Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that grows on the joint at the bottom of one’s big toe. This then forces the joint of your big toe to grow bigger, which can force your toe inward; this can then cause your big toe to push against the next toe. Smaller bunions can also appear on the lower joint of the little toe.
Symptoms of Bunions
Some symptoms of bunions are more obvious, such as the enlargement of the lower joint and the turning inward of the big toe. Other signs of bunions, however, can be more subtle. For instance, the skin on and around the bunion can begin to thicken and turn red. Corns or calluses can also form on a toe with a bunion on the area where the outer toe and the inner toe overlap. One of the more obvious symptoms of a bunion is pain on the join where the bunion is located.
Causes of Bunions
There is surprising controversy as to what causes bunions. A common thought is that wearing tight, narrow shoes can cause bunions to form. While this is a contested statement, it is believed that improper footwear can exacerbate bunions and increase their development. It is also believed that bunions can be caused by genetics, past foot injuries, and medical conditions such as arthritis.
Knowing the basics about bunions can help you to know whether you have one. However, in many cases bunions do not require treatment. While seeing a doctor is advisable if you believe you have a bunion as it can help you to determine if you do have one, and it can help you to create a treatment plan to help prevent your bunion from getting worse. However, if your bunion is consistently causing you pain, the bunion is decreasing your foot movement, or it is making it difficult for you to find footwear, it would be vital that you seek medical attention for your foot as soon as possible. Contact us to find out more about bunions as well as to find out about the treatment options that are available to you for the treatment of your bunion.