Bunions

A bunion is a bony growth that forms on the joint near the big toe. A bunion occurs when the big toe puts pressure on the next toe, causing the big toe joint to protrude and enlarge. The skin covering the bunion may be red and sore

Wearing tight, narrow shoes can cause or aggravate bunions. A bunion also occurs due to a structural defect, stress on the foot, or other conditions such as arthritis

Small bunions (bunionette) can also appear on the little toes.

A bunion occurs when weight-related pressure is distributed incorrectly on the joints and tendons of the ankle. This imbalance causes instability of the thumb joint, giving the joint a deformed shape and misalignment.

Experts can't agree on whether tight or high-heeled shoes cause bunions or just make them worse. Other possible causes are:

• Inherited ankle shape
• Ankle injury, trauma
• Congenital deformities

A bunion may accompany certain types of arthritis, especially inflammatory types such as rheumatoid arthritis Job specifics and shoe shape are also important in bunion development

Signs and symptoms of a bunion include:

• Enlargement and displacement of the bottom of the big toe (joint)
• Swelling, redness, or soreness around the joint
• Thickening of the skin around the joint
• Bone horns or calluses – often develop if the toes touch