5 Questions Answered About the Bunion

The bunion is a great villain of the feet, especially the female. This is because it causes real discomfort in everyday activities, including the simplest ones, such as walking short distances and wearing closed shoes to work, for example.

This orthopedic problem is characterized by a deformation of the outside of the thumb, which causes pain, redness, and a lot of discomforts. Although it is more common among women, some men with a genetic predisposition may also have the disease.

In this article, we will answer five very common questions about a bunion. Come check!

1. What is a bunion?

The bunion, whose scientific name is hallux valgus, is a deformity that forms in the joint of the greater finger. Such deformation is the result of a lateral deviation of the thumb, so that its tip tilts towards the second finger, while the base moves in the opposite direction, that is, towards the outside.

As a result of these deviations, a bony protrusion - which looks like a callus or lump - appears on top of the external bone of the thumb.

Over time, the structures of the foot become increasingly misaligned. Thus, the finger can push, overlap, or stay under the others, creating imbalances for the distribution of weight, which damages the other joints of the body.

The bunion can be bilateral or affect only one of the feet. It also causes a lot of aesthetic discomforts, since the thumb is deformed.

2. What are the main causes?

This is the bone deformity that most affects the feet, and the frequency is higher among women than among men.

Currently, the exact causes are not known, but different conditions can act as predisposing factors. Among them, the main one is genetic inheritance, since people with a family history are more likely to develop the problem.

Other causes are:

deviations from the fifth metatarsal bone, the one located at the base of the little finger;

a congenital bunion, that is, the baby is born with the problem;

presence of rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and gout;

neurological diseases, such as stroke and cerebral palsy;

anatomical problems, such as flat or flat feet and fragile ligaments;

congenital malformation of the feet, such as hypermobility of the first ray, characterized by high mobility of the toe bones.

Also, the frequent use of heels - over 3.5 cm -, with pointed or very tight shoes can act as a risk factor or aggravate the problem. This fact explains the greater frequency of bunions among women.

It is important to emphasize that the use of shoes of this type is not the cause of the bunion. Many women spend hours a day jumping and do not develop the problem. They only enhance the appearance of the disease in those who already have a genetic inheritance.

3. What are the symptoms?

There are cases where the bunion is asymptomatic. But, when present, the main symptoms are:

callus-like bony prominence at the base of the thumb;

pain, redness, swelling, and heat in the affected joint due to the inflammatory process that takes place in the region;

callus formation on the toes and soles;

thumb skin with a thicker texture;

stiffness of the affected finger;

the apparent tilt of the thumb towards the other fingers;

difficulty wearing closed shoes due to the discomfort and pain it causes when touching and pressing the affected region;

difficulty walking and practicing physical activities.

Bunion Concealer

4. What are the treatments for the bunion?

There are two types of approaches to treating the bunion: surgical - also called conservative - and non-surgical. The choice between these two options depends on several factors, such as:

the type of symptoms presented;

the severity of the deformations;

the patient's age, clinical conditions, and lifestyle.

Non-surgical

Non-surgical treatment is not intended to correct the deformities caused by the bunion. In this therapeutic approach, the objective is to eliminate aggravating factors to reduce symptoms and bring more quality of life to the patient.

Thus, treatment includes:

avoid the use of heels and shoes with pointed toes, very tight and hard;

give preference to more comfortable shoes, with a square or round toe and that do not compress the toes;

undergoing physical therapy to reduce swelling and improve foot function;

use analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs;

use cold compresses to improve pain and relieve inflammation;

use orthopedic protectors to reduce friction with shoes.

It is important to remember that, generally, the bunion tends to evolve. Therefore, non-surgical treatments help to alleviate the problem but are not able to eliminate it.

Surgical

Surgical treatment is recommended for the most severe conditions, that is, in which severe pain or mobility difficulties are present. Thus, it is performed to correct deformities, restore proper foot function, eliminating pain, and facilitating the patient's life.

There are several surgical techniques - about 100 - to improve the problem. The most common is the cutting of the bony prominence, with the subsequent realignment of the thumb. In some cases, the tendons and tissues in the region are sewn together. In others, the excess bone is broken to be fixed in an aligned manner.

The postoperative period requires some care, such as staying a few days without putting your feet on the floor. Gradually, the patient may have to use crutches, and in most cases, doctors recommend wearing  Baruk's sandals.

5. Is it possible to prevent the bunion?

It is possible to take some precautions that can reduce the risk of bunion development. The main one continues to be avoiding the use of tight shoes, pointed toes, or high heels for many hours, giving preference to orthopedic shoes that accommodate the feet well.

Another tip is to avoid using the same shoe for several days in a row, as this always causes friction in the same points of the foot, which favors the occurrence of injuries and deformities.

It is also important to walk barefoot whenever possible, especially in places where the ground is uneven. This habit helps in strengthening the muscles, preventing orthopedic problems.

As you have seen, the bunion is a condition that, when treated, can be alleviated and even eliminated.

For those who have family members with the problem, the main tip is to always keep an eye on your feet. At the slightest sign of deviation in the thumbs, seek a specialized professional. Thus, you will have greater chances of treating your bunion, ensuring the quality of life for the future!

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