Bunion:
It is a deformity of the foot involving the big toe (metatarsal phalangeal joint). In this condition, the big toe deviates from its original position and tilts towards the second toe. This condition is also called Hallux Valgus. Bunions are characterized by painful and limited range of motion, pain while using footwear, swelling at the base of the big toe, and infection (at times). Bunions are known to be caused due to other conditions like arthritis, genetic predisposition, and cerebral palsy. They can be caused even due gout, psoriatic arthritis, and Marfan syndrome. It is said that people wearing tight-fitting footwear and women wearing high-heeled shoes are more prone to develop bunions. Bunions can lead to complications like deformities of the second toe, and osteoarthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joints. Bunions are generally diagnosed by physical examination, and x-ray of the foot. Treatment depends upon the severity of the bunion. In case of a conservative treatment option, doctors generally prescribe medications, shoe inserts, padding, splints, and change of footwear, using orthotics, and reduction of weight. There are many surgical procedures available to rectify the deformity that is caused due to the bunions. In people with diabetes, those who chronically have high blood sugar levels are prone to many foot-related problems.
