What are bunions?
- A bunion, also known as Hallux Valgus, is a painful bony protrusion or bump that can be felt on the side of the big toe joint. This happens when a mal-alignment of the bones at this joint causes your big toe to deviate laterally or move towards your smaller toes. In this way, a bump is formed and, over time, becomes more prominent.
- Because of the bones’ mal-alignment, your joints become more inflamed with motion, resulting in pain, especially as the bump becomes more prominent. That means walking, running, and even putting on your favorite shoes will all be very painful. You can expect redness and swelling at the site due to the joint becoming more inflamed and damaged.
- Corns or calluses can also develop from your big toe and second toe rubbing together. The symptoms can progressively worsen and cause ongoing pain and even limit movement of your big toe. Particular shoes can cause additional pain, especially dress shoes or footgear with a narrow toe box.