We provide personalized care with a focus on your health.
3070 Wellner Dr. NE
Rochester, MN 55906
(507) 218-3095
Bunions
Bunion is commonly referred to as any bump at the base of the first toe. Related to this is the Taylor’s bunion, a bump at the base of the little toe. This common condition is actually the result of a very complex and often interrelated group of conditions that affect the great toe. The goal of this explanation is to educate that all bunions are definitely not the same so successful care requires different treatments.
Causes of bunions
Bunion is commonly referred to as any bump at the base of the first toe. Related to this is the Taylor’s bunion, a bump at the base of the little toe. This common condition is actually the result of a very complex and often interrelated group of conditions that affect the great toe. The goal of this explanation is to educate that all bunions are definitely not the same so successful care requires different treatments.
Diagnosis of Bunions requires Biomechanical evaluation
BIOMECHANICS includes the study of these relationships and is critical in the management of many foot disorders like bunions . BIO refers to the body and MECHANICS is the way the different parts work together. Keeping things in balance provides for the normal function of the body. Additionally, disorders that cause joint inflammation or swelling may weaken tendons and capsule, predisposing to bunion formation.
Bunion development
Bunion pain is first caused by pressure and friction on the skin over the bunion bump. Over time, callous may form and the big toe shifts toward the other toes. This means the toe is coming out of joint [dislocation] and may cause arthritis. Arthritis pain comes from damage inside the joint. Another source of pain is just under the ball of the foot where a callus may form over a lima bean shaped bone called the sesamoid. The shifting of the big toe causes tendons and this bone to move out of place and become painful. All these changes of the foot result in an imbalance – an abnormal shifting of the weight to the side. This is a biomechanical problem. Increased pressure and pain occurs on the bottom of the feet below the base of the toes (metatarsalgia).
Complications of untreated Bunions
Over time, there is a gradual shifting of the great toe moving it over or ,more commonly, under the second toe. This lifts up the second to resulting in a hammer toe that can become painful. Frequently, the hammer toe may be the greater source of discomfort. It is important to understand that long term relief of hammer toe pain may require addressing an associated bunion deformity simultaneously based it’s biomechanics.
Treatment
Over time, there is a gradual shifting of the great toe moving it over or ,more commonly, under the second toe. This lifts up the second to resulting in a hammer toe that can become painful. Frequently, the hammer toe may be the greater source of discomfort. It is important to understand that long term relief of hammer toe pain may require addressing an associated bunion deformity simultaneously based it’s biomechanics.