Bunions | Hallux Valgus
Definition
A bunion is an abnormal painful, bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe, that is associated with your big toe pointing towards the outside of your foot (instead of straight ahead)
The lump itself is called a bunion, but the underlying cause of the bunion is called Hallux Valgus. In Hallux Valgus, the bones that make up your big toe are pointing the wrong way.
Bunions can occur for a number of reasons, but the most common cause is wearing shoes that fit too tightly.
They can also be inherited. Bunions often occur to several members of the same family.
The pain of having Bunions can be relieved with wearing correct or modified shoes. However, if that is not enought, surgery can help with the pain by straightening the bones and removing the bunion. For more information, see Surgery for Hallux Valgus.
