Bunion pain is one of the most common symptoms.
Bunions or hallux valgus are the most common deformity produced in the front part of the foot, with an estimated probability of 23% to 35%. It causes symptoms in the medial border of the foot, the sole of the foot and the small toes. Non-surgical treatments can relieve symptoms but do not correct the big toe deformity. It is advisable to resort to surgery if the pain persists.
Bunion causes pain particularly on the inner side of the foot, in the load under the foot and in the smaller toes.
No foot deformity occurs more frequently than bunion. A recent study estimates that the probability of suffering from bunions is 23% between 18 and 65 years of age and 35% in those over 65 years of age. The reasons for suffering from bunions in a particular case are difficult to define: The deformity can often be attributed to ill-fitting shoes, sometimes there is a familial disposition.
Bunion Pain in Women and Men
Women are much more commonly affected than men, as they frequently wear narrow, high-heeled shoes and often have more flexible soft tissues. Although it is most common to have hallux valgus from the age of 50 onwards, many patients of both sexes are affected at an early age, usually in one foot, but sometimes in both, by bunion pain.
The pathogenesis of hallux valgus is complex. It is generally defined as an imbalance of the extrinsic and intrinsic foot muscles and ligamentous structures involved. Even in the normal foot, the extensor and flexor tendons are slightly off-center to the sides.
This is compensated for by other muscles and ligaments of the feet, plus generally the forces are balanced. This balance is sensitive to internal and external influences (e.g., wearing narrow, high-heeled and pointed shoes). The energy required to maintain the developing deformity becomes less and less. The end result is deformity of the big toe with forefoot extension.
Bunions effects
Bunions cause symptoms in three particular ways. First and foremost is bunion pain, the pressure-sensitive prominence on the medial side of the first metatarsal head. It hurts to wear a shoe. In addition, valgus deviation of the big toe often results in a lack of space in the other toes. They are displaced, usually upward, leading to pressure against the shoe. This is called hammer toe or claw toe.
Finally, the normal function of the forefoot depends largely on the big toe pressing down on the ground during gait. Since the valgus deformity arrests this to a sufficient degree, the II-V metatarsal heads are overloaded. The resulting pain is known as transfer metatarsalgia .
Symptoms of bunion
The most common symptom of a bunion is pain or discomfort around the big toe joint. Other symptoms may include
- Swelling around the big toe joint
- Swelling, redness or calluses at the big toe joint
- Difficulty walking
- Ingrown toenails
- Corns or blisters resulting from friction with shoes
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a physician or podiatrist as soon as possible to discuss treatment options. If left untreated, bunions can worsen over time and lead to more serious problems, such as arthritis.
Bunions are a common foot deformity that can cause pain and difficulty walking. If you think you may have a bunion, it is important to seek medical attention so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. There are several ways to treat bunions, depending on the severity of the deformity. Milder cases can be treated with conservative measures, such as wider shoes or pads, while more severe cases may require surgery.. If you have any concerns about your feet, make an appointment with a doctor or podiatrist today. Clínica San Román, with over 40 years of experience in the treatment of bunions and specialists in minimally invasive surgery, can help you.
Additional information about Hallux Valgus
Article prepared by Clínica San Román
Date of publication: 16-08-2017
Revision date: 21-11-2022
