Bunions
What is a Bunion,
Hallux Valgus?
Hallux Valgus is a progressive deformity where the big toe deviates towards the smaller toes, causing a painful bump of bone (bunion) on the side of your foot that can rub on your shoes.
Over time the bunion becomes enlarged, crowding of the toes occurs, mechanical overloading, and damage to ligaments in the ball of the foot resulting in hammer toes.
Historically, narrow high-heeled shoes have been blamed for bunions, but genetic links, foot structure, and arthritis are the cause, and footwear the aggravating factor that accelerated the progression of the deformity.
Research has shown severe bunions and hammer toes are a high-risk factor for slips and potential falls in nursing home residents due to their effect on balance.