What is a Bunion
A Bunion (pronounced bun-yon) is a structural deformity of the big toe joint and big toe. Depending on the deformity and the cause, there are a variety of different clinical names for this problem. They include: Hallux Valgus, Hallux Abducto Valgus, Hallux Limitus and Hallux Rigidus. The Bunion deformity is caused by a combination of structural and biomechanical faults in the foot, ligamentous weakness, abnormal weight transfer through the foot, ill-fitting shoes and arthritic conditions. There is obvious deformity in the big toe joint that progressively gets worse without treatment. Initially there may be no pain present, but as damage occurs within the ill-performing joint, pain ensues. Sometimes, the presenting symptom is only shoe pressure.