The bunion or Hallux Valgus is a complex deformity that primarily affects the big toe (big toe) and causes a bony bump at the base joint of the toe, towards the outer edge. This happens because the "big toe" puts pressure against the adjacent toe, which in turn causes the joint of the toe to enlarge and protrude.
Why does it happen?
The bunion is multifactorial, meaning that several factors can contribute to its development, although one of the most common is the way the foot functions during walking. If the way of walking is abnormal, this can cause the different bone segments that make up the toes to deform as a result of the pressure they are subjected to.
- Improper footwear, which squeezes the toes inside the shoe and limits the movement of the toes. Excessive use of high heels also contributes to the appearance of bunions for the same reason. This is not a direct consequence, but it does contribute to their earlier appearance.
- Genetics: A defect in the mechanical structure of the foot due to hereditary factors also contributes to the appearance of bunions. What is inherited is not the bunion itself, but the walking pattern that causes Hallux Valgus.
- Egyptian foot: This is when the big toe is longer than the rest of the toes.
- Foot diseases, such as flat feet or high arches.
- Presence of other diseases that deform the bones, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Age: It could also be a triggering factor, as the older we get, the higher the chances of developing bunions due to the wear and tear on the feet, especially from the age of 40. However, it is also possible for a younger person to have bunions, though they may not cause any symptoms.
The fact that bunions appear more frequently in women than in men is not a coincidence, as women often wear high-heeled shoes or pointy shoes, which makes them more predisposed to developing them.
Symptoms
The main symptoms are: The first toe rotates and overlaps the second toe. The affected person feels pain in the affected joint, which worsens with pressure from shoes. The skin appears calloused and reddened along the inner edge of the big toe.
Treatments
If the bunions are not painful and do not prevent the person from wearing shoes, specialists advise against surgery. Sometimes aesthetics are confused with the difficulty of wearing shoes. Each foot requires a type of shoe that fits its characteristics. Surgery for a bunion problem is indicated in cases where pain is severe or it prevents normal walking. There are more than 200 surgical correction techniques.
The specialist will determine the most suitable procedure for each case, depending on the degree of deformity, the age of the patient, or the cause. Among the latest surgical innovations is percutaneous surgery. It has not been sufficiently tested, but so far the results are promising. It involves making small incisions to remove the bone protrusion. This is performed on an outpatient basis (the patient returns home the same day) and is done with local anesthesia. Other non-surgical treatments can also be useful in correcting the bunion. In some cases, the use of custom-made orthotic insoles may be sufficient.
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