• Enlargement of the big toe
• Affects the foot
• Symptoms may include inward displacement of the big toe toward the other toes, joint pain and swelling
• Cause may be due to abnormal formation of the big toe or wearing tight shoes which can
• cause malformation resulting in bunions
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females but more common in females
• Can occur at any age but more common in elderly
• May be mild to severe if complications develop

GENERAL THERAPY

• Wear comfortable shoes that provide room for your toes
• Apply a non-medicated pad around the bony bump on foot
• Arch support or shoe inserts can help to reduce the pressure
• Custom made support pads placed behind the big toe help to redistribute weight
• Apply ice pack to bunion 2 or 3 times a day for 10 to 20 minutes to reduce swelling
• Keep the foot on a pedestal or stool to raise it higher than the level of the heart
• Over-the-counter medicines (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s)

PRECAUTIONS AND AVOIDANCES

• Avoid high heeled or tight shoes
• Avoid activities that put pressure on the toes
• Shoes should fit to shape of foot without pressure

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF

• There is severe pain in big toe that interferes with walking
• The pain is not better in 2 to 3 weeks of home treatment
• The skin is broken or red