What is a bunion and how is it treated?
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Hello, my brother in law is 39 years old. Doctor told that he has got bunion. His signs include inability to bend the big toe and pain and burning when trying to bend it. He was facing difficulty in wearing regular shoes. He also had hammertoes (painful, tight toe tendons and joints) along with numbness in the big toe. What is a bunion and how is it treated? Please let me know.
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@kukum A bunion is a bump that forms on the outside of the big toe. This foot deformity occurs from years of pressure on the big toe joint (the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint). Eventually, the toe joint gets out of alignment, and a bony bump forms. The medical term for bunions is hallux abducto valgus.
Bunions don’t go away. Treatment often focuses on relieving symptoms and may include: Bunion pads and taping: Over-the-counter bunion pads can cushion the area and ease pain. You can also use medical tape to keep the foot in the correct position.
Footwear changes: Switching to shoes with wide, deep toe boxes can take pressure off of your toes. You may be able to use a stretching device to widen shoes you already own.
Orthotic devices: Over-the-counter or custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics) can help to control alignment issues such as pronation that may be contributing to bunion formation. You can also place a spacer between the big toe and second digit. Some people find relief by wearing a splint at night to keep the big toe straight.
Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) both oral and topical can be combined with ice packs help with pain and swelling.