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Bunion

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? A bunion (BUN-yun) is an overgrown piece of bone at the base of your big toe. It grows from the joint that connects the big toe to the rest of your foot. As it grows, it sticks out from the side of your foot and may move your toe out of place. It may push your big toe in at an angle. It may push your big toe against your other toes or cause it to cross over them. A bunion can cause pain, swelling, and redness. It may cause your shoes to feel uncomfortable on your feet.

What causes bunions? If other family members have had foot problems, you have a greater chance of having bunions. Arthritis can also cause bunions. Women get bunions more often than men. This is because women wear tight-fitting shoes, and shoes with high heels or pointed toes. Shoes that are tight around the upper foot or are too small may cause bunions. Bunions may also grow faster if you wear shoes that are too small. Other things that cause bunions are having flat feet, a long big toe, or diseases of the feet. Bunions are a common problem for ballet dancers and baseball catchers.

What are the signs and symptoms?

• Foot pain and stiffness.
  
  
• The big toe (first toe) is turned inward and may overlap the second toe. The third toe may also be overlapped.
  
  
• A callus (thickened skin) over the bunion at the base of the big toe.
  
  
• Fluid sometimes gathers under the callus.

How can I care for my feet when I have bunions? Surgery is the only way to get rid of bunions. Even with surgery, bunions can grow back. There are things you can do to decrease bunion pain and to prevent them from growing back.

• Caregivers may shave off the thickened skin over the bunion. This may help decrease pain and pressure of the bunion. Do not try to shave the skin yourself. Doing this may injure your foot or cause an infection.
  
  
• Separate the big toe from the others with a foam-rubber pad before bed.
  
  
• Wear a thick, ring-shaped, self-sticking pad around and over the bunion.
  
  
• Use arch supports in your shoes to decrease pressure on the bunion. These can be bought at a shoe-repair store.
  
  
• Wear wide-toed shoes that fit well. Your shoes should have plenty of room for your toes to be in their normal position. Do not wear shoes with heels that are higher than 2 inches.
  
  
• Do not try to force or push your feet into shoes that are too small or do not fit.
  
  
• Caregivers may give you an ointment to help decrease pain for a short time. This medicine may be used if your bunion is inflamed (red, sore, and swollen).
  
  
• If your bunion becomes tender and swollen, place an ice pack on it. Talk to your caregiver before you put ice on your bunion. Ask what type of ice treatment to use and how long you should use it.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Copyright © 2009. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

References and sources