A hallux abducto valgus deformity, commonly called a bunion, is a deformity characterized by medial deviation of the first metatarsal and lateral deviation of the hallux (big toe). The visible bump actually reflects changes in the bony framework of the front part of the foot. The big toe leans toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead. This throws the bones out of alignment, producing the bunion’s bump.

Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited but certain foot types that make a person prone to developing a bunion. Although wearing shoes that crowd the toes will not actually cause bunions, it sometimes makes the deformity get progressively worse.

Symptoms:

• A bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe
• Swelling, redness or soreness around your big toe joint
• Corns or calluses
• Persistent or intermittent pain
• Restricted movement of your big toe

Treatments:

Non-surgical 

• Changes in shoe wear.  Choose shoes that have a wide toe area. Not those with pointed toes or high heels, which may aggravate the condition.
• Padding. Pads placed over the area of the bunion can help minimize pain.
• Activity modifications. Avoid activity that causes bunion pain, including standing for long periods of time.
• Icing. Applying an ice pack several times a day helps reduce inflammation and pain.
• Injection therapy. Although rarely used in bunion treatment, injections of corticosteroids may be useful in treating the inflamed bursa (fluid-filled sac located around a joint) sometimes seen with bunions.

Surgical

If nonsurgical treatments fail to relieve bunion pain and when the pain of a bunion interferes with daily activities, surgery may be needed.

A variety of surgical procedures is available to treat bunions. The procedures are designed to remove the bump of bone, correct the changes in the bony structure of the foot and correct soft tissue changes that may also have occurred. The goal of surgery is the reduction of pain and deformity.

It is recommended to seek Dr Siow’s professional advise to provide appropriate treatments for you.