Hallux Abducto Valgus (Bunions)

This page has been designed to give you the right information about bunions and what you can do to help with your recovery.

Only got a few minutes? Watch our x min summary of this page to get the key information points

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a bony bump which forms at the base of the big toe and can cause the big toe to lean in towards the other toes. It can sometimes become irritated and sore.

A ‘Tailors bunion’, also known as a ‘bunionette’ is a bony lump which forms along the side of the little toe.

What causes a bunion?

We don’t always know how causes a bunion however, there are a few factors that are thought to contribute to someone developing a bunion

Being female – bunions are significantly more common in women compared to men (ratio of 15:1) Kakwani & Kakwani (2021).

 

Lady shrugging shoulders to indicate confuion.

Genetics - some bunions can simply just run in the family.
Poorly fitting shoes - shoes that are too small, tight or have a high heel.
Flat feet – having flatter feet may increase the chances of a bunion.
Certain medical conditions e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
Walking differently – a change in your walking pattern (perhaps due to an injury or other condition).
Being overweight – being above your ideal bodyweight can alter the way your lower limbs (including your feet) work and can contribute to the development of a bunion.

What are the common symptoms with a bunion?

For some people, a bunion might simply look different with the big toe ‘drifting’ towards the other toes but not actually cause any problems however, for others common symptoms include:

Bunions can be sore. As you might expect, the discomfort of a bunion varies a lot between people. In most cases, the discomfort is felt around the base of the big toe or the ball of the foot when walking. In some cases, people can experience discomfort when resting.

It is normal to experience a swelling and redness around the base of the big toe with a bunion.

Hard skin may develop at the site of the bunion itself or between the toes due to them touching each other more. Hard skin itself is not dangerous and should be seen as a protective response from your body as toes start to work differently.

If your big toe has changed shape, it is likely that the movement that you normally have in it will change too. For most people, this will mean that you have a stiffer big toe than normal.

Your big toe is very important for walking. You use your big toe to help give you the push forwards as you place one foot in front of the other. If your big toe is either sore or working differently because it has changed shape, it will mean that your foot has to change the way it works. This might mean that your walking is slightly different i.e. you may find yourself taking shorter steps or find walking quickly difficult.

What can I do to help myself?

Unfortunately, the one thing you cannot do is change the shape of your toe if you have a bunion. Treatment, which can be very effective, is focused on reducing or controlling the symptoms such as discomfort and stiffness.

Footwear

Making the right choice with your footwear can be an easy way to help a bunion. A wider toe box (part of the shoe where your toes are) can relieve pressure. Choosing shoes made with softer materials without seams over the painful area can also be of use

Padding

Some bunion guards/pads may reduce the pressure on the problem area. These can generally be purchased online or at your local pharmacy.

Exercises

Strengthening your foot/leg can help to reduce the strain on your toes. We have included a selection of appropriate exercises in this page to help you strengthen your foot/ leg.

Insoles/Orthotics

A podiatrist can assess your foot and how you use it to see if an insole might help. Insoles aren’t the right thing for everyone and will not correct the bunion but might improve your symptoms.

Medication

Some people may find they can manage their symptoms without pain relief however, some may feel that they need to use some to help. Discuss any questions about medication with your pharmacist or GP before starting.

Will I need to have surgery on my bunion?

Surgery might be an option for some people but it will only be considered if all other options have been explored. Surgery, if offered, should performed to help with pain management and is not offered simply to improve the appearance of the foot. You should discuss any thoughts or questions you might have about surgery with your clinician.

Exercises

Include toe lifts

Lift and spread all your toes while keeping the heel down and the front of your foot on the ground. Once they are spread, push your little toe down and out and repeat with the big toe

Include marble pick up?

Try to shorten your foot while keeping your heel and the front of the foot on the ground but don’t curl your toes

References:

  1.  Kakwani M, Kakwani R. Current concepts review of hallux valgus. Journal of Arthroscopy and Joint Surgery. 2021;8(3):222-30.