Bunion

• An inward-turned first toe that may overlap the second and sometimes the third toe.
• Thickened skin over the bony protrusion at the base of the first toe (callus).
• Fluid accumulation under the thickened skin (sometimes).
• Foot pain and stiffness.

Hallux valgus. The technical name for the big toe is hallux. If the big toe has grown or been forced into a position where it overlaps one or more of the other toes, that is called hallux valgus.

• Family history of foot abnormalities (inherited weakness in toe joints).
• Arthritis.
• Narrow-toed, high-heeled shoes that compress toes together.

• Exercise daily to keep muscles of the feet and legs in good condition.
• Wear wide-toed shoes that fit well. Don't wear high heels or shoes without room for toes in their normal position.

Usually curable with treatment and preventive measures to guard against recurrence.

• Infection of the bunion, especially in persons withdiabetes mellitus.
• Inflammation and arthritic changes in other joints caused by walking difficulty, which places abnormal stress on the foot, hip and spine.

• Before bedtime, separate the first toe from the others with a foam-rubber pad.
• Wear a thick, ring-shaped adhesive pad around and over the bunion.
• Use arch supports to relieve pressure on the bunion. These are available in shoe-repair shops.
• Surgery to remove the overgrown tissue (bunion) and to correct the position of the bones.

• You or a family member has a bunion that is interfering with normal activities.
• Signs of infection, such as fever, heat, tenderness or pain, develop after treatment or surgery.