Dr. Philip Kauffman of Stratford and Marlton discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for bunions. http://myfeethurt.me
A bunion is a bone enlargement at the base of the great toe (metatarsophalangeal joint). Bunions form when the toe moves out of place and angulates toward the second toe. The enlargement of the bone causes both pressure as it rubs against shoes as well as a painful stress on the joint.
Over time, the great toe angulation tends to worsen and rub against or position itself under the second and sometimes the third toes (known as Hallux Valgus). This causes more irritation or inflammation of the foot as well as possible development of a hammertoe of the lesser toes. When the hallux (great toe) also rotates or twists, it is referred to as Hallux Abducto Valgus.
Many people with bunions suffer from discomfort and pain either from the first metatarsophalangeal joint or from the rubbing, and friction of the bunion against shoes. The skin over the toe becomes irritated