Mother and daughter: bunions can be in the genes

The most common foot condition we treat is a Bunion. A bunion is a bony deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe. The medical name is hallux valgus.

The main sign of a bunion is the big toe pointing towards the other toes on the same foot, which may force the foot bone attached to it (the first metatarsal) to stick outwards. Bunions may be extremely painful and make it difficult to wear shoes. They are also formed when the big toe loses its flexibility to bend during walking. Experts suggest that bunions are hereditary and not caused but aggravated by badly fitting footwear.

Symptoms may include:

– A swollen, bony bump on the outside edge of your foot.
– Pain and swelling over your big toe joint that’s made worse by pressure from wearing shoes.
– Hard, callused and red skin caused by your big toe and second toe overlapping.
– Sore skin over the top of the bunion.
– Changes to the shape of your foot, making it difficult to find shoes that fit.

Here at The Yorkshire Foot Hospital:

– Bunion Surgery is always under local anesthetic.
– Recovery is around 6 weeks, after which patients can begin to return to normal activities and footwear.
– All inclusive packages of care.
– Payment plans.