Bunions Specialist

What are bunions?

Bunions, which are medically known as hallux valgus, are bony protrusions that form at the base of your big toe on the inside of your feet. While not dangerous, this structural defect is progressive and can become highly problematic if your bunions become inflamed, making even the slightest pressure very painful.

As well, as bunions progress, your big toe travels toward your other toes, perhaps migrating over or under your second toe, exacerbating the problem and throwing off the balance in your feet.

What causes bunions?

The exact mechanism behind a bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of your big toe, which is called the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The problem develops when the small bones in the joint are forced out of alignment. This misalignment starts when the long metatarsal bone begins to shift toward the inside of your foot, and the small phalanx bones of your big toe begin to migrate toward your second toe. 

While this describes the structural cause of your bunion, the reasons behind this development include:

• Ill-fitting footwear that cram your toes
• High-heeled shoes that force your toes into small spaces
• Arthritis
• A structural defect from birth
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Injury to your foot

Again, bunions are progressive and typically develop over years as your feet try to compensate for the misalignment in your big toe joints.

How are bunions treated?

During their early stages, Dr. Tek prefers to take a conservative approach to bunions. To start, he may recommend taping, padding, and orthotics. As well, it’s imperative that you change your footwear to allow more room for your toes to spread out and function normally. This means shoes with roomier toe boxes, as well as eliminating any heels over two inches.

If your bunions have progressed past the point of conservative measures, Dr. Tek may recommend a surgical option called a bunionectomy. There are several different approaches he may take during a bunionectomy, depending upon the degree of your bunions, but the goal is to restore alignment in your bones and eliminate the bony protrusion.

If you’d like to learn more about your options when it comes to bunions, call Dr. Tek Footcare or schedule an appointment using the online scheduling tool.