A bunion is an enlarged big toe joint. Most patients have difficulty finding properly fitting shoes and get irritation from a narrow or closed toed shoe. Bunions develop over time and are caused by a multitude of reasons. Bunions have genetic causes, can be from flatfeet or from high arches. They can be caused from trauma, improper shoes or arthritis in the big toe joint.
Symptoms include pain, irritation and redness in the area. Other symptoms are numbness, tingling or burning pain into the big toe. Pain the joint itself can also occur.
Diagnosis is made with a very thorough clinical exam and x rays.
Treatment of bunions can be from supportive inserts and shoegear changes to surgical intervention. The severity of the bunion will determine the treatment that is best for the patient.
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