bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Bunion
Introduction
In people with a bunion, the joint at the base of the big toe appears to stick out (becomes prominent). Abnormalities in joint position or motion can distort and enlarge or seem to enlarge the joint that connects the big toe with the foot. Pain and swelling can affect the inner part of the joint or the entire joint. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and an examination, and sometimes fluid in the joint is tested. Changing shoes or using toe spacers, pads, or orthotic devices placed in the shoe that help redistribute and relieve pressure from affected joint, or a combination of such measures usually helps. For some people with pain and difficulty walking, surgery may be considered. (See also Overview of Foot and Ankle Problems .) A bunion occurs when the big toe and/or the bone to which it connects is out of position. Ahallux valgusis when the base of the big toe abnormally points outward away from the foot and the tip of the big toe tilts in toward the second toe. Abunionis the enlargement at the base of the big toe caused by the hallux valgus deformity. A bursa (a fluid-filled sac) may develop over the joint and may become painful. When the base of the big toe abnormally points outward and the tip of the big toe points inward (toward the second toe), the condition is calledhallux valgus. Hallux valgus causes a bunion. Factors that contribute to bunion formation may include excessive rolling inward (pronation) of the foot, wearing tight-fitting and pointed-toe shoes, and occasionally injury. Osteoarthritis (OA) may develop, and bone spurs may form. Osteoarthritis causes joint cartilage damage, limiting the foot’s range of motion. The joint may swell, and a bursa (a fluid-filled sac) often develops and becomes painful. Tight-fitting shoes can worsen symptoms. Occasionally, 