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BUNIONS

A bunion is an enlargement and inflammation of the bursa sack at the 1^st metatarsal joint (big toe). It is painful in some cases and not painful in others. It is often found in conjunction with Hallux Valgus (where the bone at the big toe joint shifts laterally toward the other 4 toes).

Another type of bunion a Tailor's Bunion, also called a Bunionette.  It is located at the 5th metatarsal (little toe) and is an inflammation of the bursa sack at that joint.

Other names or similar foot conditions:

• Often found in conjunction with Hallux Valgus
• Family toe
• Tailor’s Bunion (5^th digit)
• Bunionette (5^th digit)

Symptoms:

• Irritated skin surrounding the joint
• Pain and enlargement of the bursa site
• Stiffness and cramping of the big toe and/or little toe
• Callus formation on the underside of the joint at the big toe and/or little toe

Signs to look for:

• Recurring pain and swelling of the joint(s)
• Callus formation on the underside of the joint at the big toe and/or little toe
• Shoes stretched or running over at joint(s)
• For bunionette, does customer sit long periods on floor with legs crossed?

Possible Causes:

• Heredity
• Abnormal biomechanics (overpronation)
• Arthritis

Goals:

• Take pressure off the bunion
• Allow adequate room in shoes
• Balance pressure across entire foot
• Prevent further progression of the bunion

Solutions:

Arch Supports:

• Bio-Orthotics Winstep or Sundance exercising support with metatarsal lift

• Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support, such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support

• Extra depth shoes with adequately width, deep toe box, firm heel counter, rocker soles and steel shank

• MBT physiological footwear with straight last

• Negative heel shoe
• Shoes with stretchable uppers

• Wear pumps and high heels only as long as absolutely necessary

• Go barefoot on minimal basis only

• For exercise, wear shoes with titanium springs

Other: 

• Spot stretching with ball and ring stretcher

• Bunion shield (if it fits in the shoe without further squeezing the area)

• Regular callus filing with pumice device (leaving cutting of calluses to a physician only)

Activities:

• Rotate high impact exercising with low impact exercising, such as jogging or basketball (high impact) with swimming or bicycling (low impact)