Some health concerns stick out like a sore… toe? In this case, we’re talking about a bunion, which more accurately sticks out from the side of the big toe. They can be painful, as well as cause concerns from how they look. But are they treatable, and even preventable?
The good news is, yes they are! While the pain caused by bunions can be eased through medical approaches, there are other ways to address the discomfort including finding wider shoes. Whether you have bunions or are at risk of them, here is everything you should know!
What Is a Bunion on the Foot?
Medically known as hallux valgus, a bunion is a “painful, bony lump” on the outside of the big toe, notes Cleveland Clinic. It can form as a result of prolonged pressure on the joint of the big toe, causing a misalignment. They can form on one or both toes.
While bunions are often caused by improper weight-bearing, it can also be a symptom of a “progressive bone disorder,” adds Medical News Today. The condition comes from a structural issue with the bones of the feet or toes, but most commonly affects the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint in the big toe.