BUNION (Hallux Valgus) |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Overgrowth of tissue at the base of the great (big) toe. Bunions may be congenital or hereditary. A bunion often impairs athletic performance until it is corrected with medical treatment or surgery.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
An inward-turned great toe that may overlap the second--and sometimes the third--toe.
Thickened skin over the bony protrusion at the base of the great toe.
Fluid accumulation under the thickened skin (sometimes).
Foot pain and stiffness.
Inflammation and swelling around the bunion.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Irritation of the bony bump when the big toe is directed toward the little toe.
Narrow-toed, high-heeled shoes that compress toes together.
Arthritis.
Family history of foot disorders.
HOW TO PREVENT
Wear wide-toed, well-fitting shoes with strong arch supports. Don't wear high heels or shoes without room for toes in their normal position.
Don't wear socks or stockings that are too tight.
After treatment, prevent a recurrence by placing a 1/4-inch thickness of foam rubber between the big toe and second toe.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and exam by a doctor or podiatrist.
X-rays of the foot.
SURGERYOften necessary to remove the overgrown tissue and correct the position of the bones.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSUsually improves with treatment and preventive measures to guard against recurrence.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Infection of the bunion, especially in persons with diabetes mellitus.
Inflammation and arthritic changes in other joints caused by walking difficulty, which places abnormal stress on the foot, hip and spine.
Excessive bleeding or infection if surgery is required.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTNone necessary for mild cases. Surgery may be required for persistent or severe cases.
HOME TREATMENT
Before bedtime, separate the great toe from the others with a foam-rubber pad.
When wearing shoes, place a thick, ring-shaped adhesive pad over the bunion.
Use arch supports to relieve pressure on the bunion. These are available in shoe-repair shops.
MEDICATIONUsually not necessary for this disorder unless infection develops.
ACTIVITYNo restrictions as long as the bunion is protected from irritation. If surgery is necessary, resume normal activities gradually afterward. Walk on your heels until the surgical site heals. Elevate the foot of the bed to reduce swelling over the incision. Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks following surgery.
DIETDuring recovery from surgery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have a bunion that is interfering with normal activities.
Signs of infection (fever, headache, heat, increased tenderness or pain) develop during treatment or after surgery.
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