What Are Bunions?

By: Deny Dallaire, B.Sc., C.Ped (C)
Certified Pedorthist (Canada) with Thera-Ped Moncton

Bunions develop secondary to a condition called hallux abducto-valgus. This is “Medicalese” for a when the big toe moves towards the second toe and becomes fixed. This change in alignment of the big toe promotes abnormal bone formation in the joint which leads to swelling and redness. This painful swelling is what is referred to as a bunion.

Bunions usually start off as mild and then worsen over time. Sometimes the pain is intensified by the swelling of the capsule around the joint. This is called capsulitis (or bursitis) and can make the joint extremely sensitive to contact.

What most people do not realize is that bunions are usually hereditary and worsen by wearing ill-fitted or inappropriate footwear (e.g. shoes that are too tight or too pointy). Abnormal foot alignments, flat feet or high arches can predispose people to bunions as well.The good news is that if you have bunions, you do not necessarily need to buy “clunky” shoes or expensive orthotics: Firstly, “bunion-friendly” footwear today is much more fashionable than it used to be.

Secondly, in milder cases, it’s just a question of wearing the “right shoe” at the “right time” in order to prevent your bunions from getting worse. And lastly, knowing how to stretch a shoe when needed will go a long way to relieving bunion pain.

Another type of bunion called a “bunionette” or “tailor’s bunion”. This deformity is the same as the common bunion but affects the small toe joint instead.

Whatever the severity or type of bunion you have, a Canadian Certified Pedorthist is trained to develop the best treatment plan to suit your condition, needs and lifestyle. If you suffer from bunions, consult your family physician or nurse practitioner to see if Pedorthics is the correct treatment for you.

All Canadian Certified Pedorthists are members of the College of Pedorthics of Canada and the Pedorthics Association of Canada. For more information, visit: Thera-Ped Moncton in Highfield Square or the following websites: www.cpedcs.ca and www.pedorthic.ca.