The medical terminology for bunion is “hallux valgus”. Typically, the big toe drifts outwards towards the smaller toes and a bump appears on the inner aspect of the foot, which becomes red and swollen when it rubs.

It is common for bunion problems to run in families. Wearing tight, high-heeled shoes and laxity of joints have also been implicated as factors, which may cause bunions.

Most people have no symptoms but some develop pain over the bunion, difficulty with wearing shoes and in severe cases difficulty with walking. Over time, the deformity generally slowly worsens, and pain under the ball of the foot and “hammer toe” deformities of the adjacent toes can develop.

Many people with bunion problems can be managed with the use of appropriate footwear and in some cases with the use of orthotics (inserts used in the shoes).

If these measures fail, patients with continued symptoms, difficulty with wearing shoes and increasing deformities can be helped with appropriate bunion surgery. The purpose of surgery is to correct the deformity, narrow the foot and improve biomechanics (structure and function) of the foot.  The particular operative procedure chosen will be discussed in greater detail with you by your surgeon.