It is the most frequent deforming disorder of the foot end in which the axis of the big toe is brought into varus while at the same time the axis of the 1st metatarsal is brought into varus with the projection of its head on the medial surface of the end of the foot. In fact, it is not an individual disorder of the big toe but the result of a series of complex disorders involving the whole of the anatomical structures of the 1st ray of the foot, i.e. the 1st metatarsal, the phalanges of the big toe, the sesamoid bones and the tendons which lodge in the bones of the 1st ray of the foot.
It is divided into two types:

• The acquired form of adults and the juvenile form
• Form that occurs in adolescents and young adults.

The condition usually affects women and in 70% it has a hereditary predisposition. The clinical picture varies depending on the degree of deformity. Episcopally, the deformity of the big toe and the ravification of the 1st metatarsal are evident, which leads to the projection of the head of the 1st metatarsal on the medial surface of the foot. Many patients report as the first sign of the disease the difficulty of wearing shoes and the appearance of hyperkeratosis tilus above the head of the 1st metatarsal. The progression of the disease leads to the appearance of pain in the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint due to a gradual loss of overlap of the articular surfaces. In neglected cases the 2nd toe can ride on the big toe making it even more difficult to wear shoes.

 

Symptoms

Symptoms of a bunion include:

• A swollen bump on the outside of the base of your big toe
• Swelling, redness or pain around the joint of your big toe
• Calluses — these often develop where the first and second toes rub together
• Constant pain or pain that comes and goes
• Limited movement of your big toe

 

When to see a doctor?

Although bunions often do not require medical treatment, see your doctor or a doctor who specializes in the treatment of foot disorders if you have:

• Constant pain in the big toe or foot
• A visible lump in the joint of your big toe
• Decreased movement of your big toe or toe
• Difficulty finding shoes that fit properly

 

Risk factors

These factors may increase the risk of ulcers:

• High heel. Wearing high heels presses your toes against the front of your shoes.
• Shoes that don’t fit well. People who wear shoes that are too narrow or too pointed are more likely to develop bunions.
• Rheumatoid arthritis. If this inflammatory condition is treated you are more likely to develop ulcers.
• Heredity. A tendency to develop bunions may be the result of an inherited problem with the structure or anatomy of your foot.

 

Complications

Possible complications of vultures include:

• Folliculitis. This painful condition occurs when the small fluid-filled pads that protect the bones near your joints become inflamed.
• Metatarsalgia. This condition causes pain and swelling in your leg.