Bunion

Written by Dr. Jason Ngan, DC

What is a Bunion?

Bunion (aka hallux valgus) is the enlargement of bone at the edge of big toe. Its name originated from the Greek word for turnip because this bump becomes red and swollen resembling a turnip. A bunion is located at the base of the big toe where the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint is located. The first metatarsal bone shift medially while the phalanx (big toe bone) gets angled toward the second toe. This bump keeps rubbing on tight shoes and becomes larger and larger.

What Causes Bunions?

  • Genetic

  • Flat foot, excessively flexible ligament can contribute

  • Aggravated by small/tight shoes.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

  • Redness and swollen at the base of the big toe

  • Pain while wearing shoes

  • Pain upon walking

How are Bunions Diagnosed?

Bunion is diagnosed with a thorough medical history, physical examination, orthopedic testing, and x-ray diagnostic imaging. Bunions can be classified by the angle of the first metatarsal bone to the phalanx.

  • Mild deformities are less than 20 degrees

  • Moderate deformities range from 20-40 degrees

  • Severe deformities are more than 40 degrees.

What are the Treatment Options?

Once a bunion is aggravated, it is best to rest and ice it to help with pain. Some options we provide are:

  • Chiropractic manipulation and mobilization

  • Proper footware counsultation

  • Splint

  • Stretches

  • Soft tissue therapies

  • Rehabilitative strengthening exercises

Other treatments that patients may seek (not provided at Ngan Chiropractic) include NSAID medication, and surgery if severe.  

References

  1. Ferrari J. Bunions. BMJ Clin Evid. 2009 Mar 11;2009:1112. PMID: 19445756; PMCID: PMC2907787.

  2. Pierre Tamer, Scott Simpson, Evolutionary Medicine: Why do humans get bunions?, Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health, Volume 2017, Issue 1, January 2017, Pages 48–49, https://doi.org/10.1093/emph/eox001