Bunion: The pain in the toe

Bunion: The pain in the toe

Problems with the feet are widespread and are often associated with severe pain, which makes it impossible to walk or run without worry. One of the most common foot problems is the so-called bunion (hallux valgus). This deformity of the big toe occurs much more frequently in women than in men and worsens over time. Find out more here about the most common symptoms, possible causes, treatment options and how you can prevent bunions.

What is a bunion? The most common symptoms

It is completely normal for feet to change over the course of a lifetime. However, if the big toe leans more and more towards the other toes, causing the bunion to bulge, doctors refer to this as hallux valgus or bunion. This protrusion of the bunion is widespread and can occur in various forms. Slight protrusions usually do not (yet) cause any symptoms. However, with increasing displacement of the first metatarsal bone, the risk of pressure points and pain increases rapidly. These occur primarily on the bunion itself - initially only with tight shoes, but later also when wearing very wide and actually comfortable shoes.
The pressure points on a bunion are often swollen and reddened, and in some cases they become inflamed. Sometimes a thick callus forms on the sole of the foot. The progressive deformation impairs the mobility of the toe and the deformity can affect the nerves of the toes. Nerve damage can cause numbness. All these symptoms can impair the gait pattern and gait safety - especially for older people, this is associated with an increased risk of falling.

The most common bunion symptoms at a glance:

• Pressure points and redness on the ball of the foot in the area of the metatarsophalangeal joint

• Restricted movement of the big toe and later of the entire foot

• In advanced cases, nerve damage with numbness

• Pain when walking, especially when wearing tight shoes
• Development of corns and significant increase in calluses

Information about when which symptoms occur provides indications of possible causes and is therefore particularly important for diagnosis.

Causes: How does a bunion develop?

The main cause of a bunion is a genetic predisposition. Children whose parents suffer from bunions have an increased risk of developing the same problem one day. However, there are also other factors that promote foot malalignment. These include incorrect footwear. In particular, shoes that are pointed at the front and/or shoes with high heels are considered risk factors - this could be one reason why women are affected more often than men. However, there are also people who wear tight shoes very often and do not develop bunions for the rest of their lives. Conversely, wearing wide and comfortable shoes is no guarantee of being spared a bunion.
There are also other possible causes that promote the development of a bunion. These include, for example, accidents, injuries or poorly healed bone fractures in the foot area. Certain pre-existing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, a shortened Achilles tendon or generally weak connective tissue can also contribute to the development of a bunion. Another risk factor is being overweight. The heavy weight on the foot when walking and standing puts excessive strain on the foot muscles, which can lead to a bunion developing over time.
Incidentally, a bunion can lead to osteoarthritis in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe in the long term and thus promote hallux rigidus, which is associated with other complaints. It is therefore all the more important that you do something about your bunion at an early stage.

Bunions - how to treat them correctly

There are various ways to treat a bunion. It is not possible to say in general terms which is the best option, but it depends above all on the type and extent of the deformity and whether and what symptoms the hallux valgus causes. In the case of a very pronounced bunion, which causes massive discomfort such as severe pain, restricted movement and numbness, the only option is often surgery to correct the deformity. However, until this happens, there are various other treatment options available that should be exhausted first.
In the early stages, it is particularly important to wear good shoes. These should be wide enough to allow sufficient space for the toes and, if necessary, padded in the area of the toes or ball of the foot. Such padding (e.g. orthopaedic insoles) can relieve pressure on the toes. High-heeled shoes such as pumps and high heels should also only be worn in exceptional cases, as most of the weight is on the forefoot.
In many cases, it can be useful to wear special foot splints. Splints such as the Hallufix Hallux valgus splint ensure that the big toe is kept in as original a position as possible. To achieve this, it is important to wear the splint regularly, ideally even (or especially) at night when the toe is relieved and can be stretched easily. Alternatively, supports such as the Hallufix Hallux valgus supports can also be worn. This can often alleviate the initial discomfort and slow down the progression of the deformity.
Incidentally, the Hallufix Hallux valgus splint is also ideal for post-operative treatment of bunions.

Bunion correction splint - What to do in case of pain?

Pain can significantly impair quality of life. In the case of foot deformities such as hallux valgus, the extent of the pain can vary from person to person. If the deformity is not very pronounced and the pain only occurs occasionally, a special splint can provide relief. This applies in particular to malalignments up to a maximum of 30 degrees.
If the pain is severe, painkillers can provide temporary relief. However, you should only take these after consulting your doctor, as a supportive measure and for a short period of time. Targeted exercises that stretch and strengthen the foot muscles, such as gripping a cloth with the ball of your foot, often help. Circling a ball under the sole of the foot is also beneficial for the foot muscles and helps to strengthen them. You can also perform these exercises to prevent foot misalignments.

How to prevent a bunion

Even if you cannot rule out a bunion, especially if you have a family history of bunions, you can still reduce your personal risk. The most important measure is to wear flat and comfortable shoes as often as possible. Make sure they fit well in terms of length and width. Your toes should always have enough room. At the latest when pressure points form, you should change the shoe width immediately and consult a doctor if the pain persists.

 

Frequently asked questions about bunions

What effects can a bunion have on walking ability?

An advanced bunion can impair the ability to walk. The deviation of the big toe can disturb the balance of the foot and cause pain when walking. In some cases, other toes may also be affected.

Does the choice of footwear influence the development of a bunion?

Yes, choosing inappropriate footwear, especially shoes that are too tight or pointed with high heels, can contribute to the development or worsening of a bunion. Comfortable, wide footwear can help to alleviate discomfort.

Can bunions be inherited?

There is a genetic component to the development of bunions. If family members have bunions, there may be an increased risk of developing this deformed toe position.

Are there preventive measures to prevent the development of a bunion?

Although there is no absolute guarantee, wearing well-fitting footwear that provides adequate space for the toes and avoiding shoes that are too tight or too high can reduce the risk of bunions. Regular stretching of the toes and foot muscles can also help.