Bunion (Hallux Valgus)
The big toe bends toward the little toe and a bump sticks out at the joint.
As the big toe angles toward the second toe, the bump is rubbed by shoes with every step, causing inflammation and pain. Because the foot supports the whole body, it becomes hard to keep good posture, which affects the whole body.
Common causes
01
Heredity or family history
02
Often wearing narrow shoes such as high heels
03
Flat feet or a long big toe from birth
04
Rheumatoid arthritis or neuromuscular disease
Signs to watch for
- A bump and deformity at the big toe
- The overall shape of the foot changes and pain limits shoe choice
- The bump swells and becomes inflamed when walking in shoes; calluses form on the sole
How we diagnose
X-ray
The basic first test. Further tests may be added for a definite diagnosis.
MRI
Shows soft tissue that X-ray cannot, such as muscles, ligaments, discs, cartilage, nerves and blood vessels.
How we treat it
If the bump is small or there are few symptoms, we use non-surgical treatment. It can ease pain, but it does not correct a deformity that has already formed.
Non-surgical injection therapy
Prolotherapy injects directly into weakened ligaments or tendons to reinforce the fibrous tissue, or a hyaluronic acid injection, a main component of joint fluid, is placed into weakened cartilage.
Manual & exercise therapy
A specialist physical therapist uses hands-on techniques based on anatomy, such as relaxation methods and joint mobilization, to reduce pain and improve function.
When surgery is consideredSurgery is considered for moderate or worse deformity with severe pain, or when shoes are hard to wear despite conservative care.