A bunion, known medically as ‘Hallux Valgus’ is an abnormal alignment of the big toe. The first metatarsal begins to drift towards the other foot whilst the big toe deviates towards the smaller toes.
Bunions or hallux valgus are a common condition seen within clinic. Patients describe pain and discomfort from the bump or within the big toe joint or both.
Footwear typically presses on the bony bump causing irritation. So recall increases symptoms in the pushing off phase of walking.
Over time a bursa can form which is a fluid-filled sac over the joint. Callus and corn formation can occur as pressure on the surrounding skin.
The Prognosis is uncertain. Some patients experience the progression of deformity and symptoms rapidly, others remain asymptomatic.
One study found that hallux valgus is often unilateral(one foot) initially but usually progresses to bilateral deformity.