Bunions / Hallux Abductovalgus

In this post you will find information and treatment recommendations for Bunions, which are also known as Hallux Abducto Valgus. Bunions are very common foot problems. There is some confusion with the terminology however. A bunion is not just a growth anywhere on the foot. When most people refer to a bunion, they are talking about an enlargement on the side of the big toe joint. That is the location of the typical bunion, also referred to as Hallux Abducto Valgus. The deformity can often look like a large growth on the side fo the foot. But actually, although there may be some mild growth, the real deformity is from the bone and toe being out of position. In the picture below, your can see the long metatarsal bone sticking out the side of the foot, and the big toe falling in towards the other toes.

Bunions can be very painful. Most often shoes are the most common cause of the pain. Shoes that are too narrow or have a toe box that is too tappered, will put pressure on the bone prominence. This can lead to redness, swelling and pain. The angulation in the joint can break down or irritate the joint, leading to joint pain such as arthritis. Refer to the arthritic big toe joint/Hallus Rigidus Post for more information about this condition.

Treatment

1) Wider Shoes: treating a bunion is very difficult conservatively. You must remove the pressure. So to start, you must wear shoes that are wider than normal with a more rounded toe box. Shoes that fit better can take the pressure off the bunion thus, reducing pain. To find great everyday shoes that have a wide variety of widths, click on the "Shoes for Foot Pain" link found above.

2) Arch supports: in theory, the addition of an arch support can stabilize the long metatarsal bone that is sticking out the side. This may protect the area and possibly reduce the risk of it becoming worse. It will not "cure" it however. Appropriate arch supports can be found by clicking the "Helpful Foot Pain Products" link found above. The "Powerstep" arch support are good for this.

3) Bunion Splints/Padding: there are splints that can be worn ot improve position of the big toe. There are also some padding type devices that can pad and protect the bone prominence, reducing pressure and thus, reducing pain. Click the "Helpful Foot Pain Products" link found above to see approved devices like this.

Since a bunion is a bone deformity, to truely correct it would require surgery. Surgery is intended to improve joint alignment and reduce the bone prominence. If the above treatments are not helpful in reduing pain, then seek medical attention.