Do I have a bunion? A bunion (hallux valgus) is a deformity that occurs at the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint—where the foot bones meet the bones in the big toe. Bunions are common foot problems that can cause discomfort and affect the quality of life.  According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the deformity occurs when the big toe joint becomes swollen and a bony bump forms. This deformity causes the big toe to tilt toward the second toe causing the MTP joint to move out of alignment.  A mild bunion may be asymptomatic and not require treatment. However, as ..read more

An athlete’s feet can be a source of greatness and joy – although when problems become severe, the opposite can be true. For runners, chronic foot problems can present a tough dilemma: it’s impossible to beat further milestones without pushing yourself. But push too hard, and you may need to stay off the track for much longer  Do bunions affect running? Definitely! Far from an isolated problem in the big toe, bunions can result in generalized foot and ankle pain. But does this mean you should find a new discipline? Not at all. For athletes with bunions, the key will be to combine lifest ..read more

Bunions and hammertoes are two separate foot conditions, but they can often occur simultaneously. In fact, bunions and hammertoes happen together so frequently that sometimes doctors will group them together as if they were a single foot condition. What causes bunions and hammertoes to happen together? There is a link between how and why each condition develops – but the bottom line is that if your foot has a bunion, a hammertoe is likely to follow. Here’s why. What is a bunion? A bunion, known as hallux valgus, is a bump that develops at the base of the big toe on the side of the foot. Caus ..read more

When it comes to foot problems, bunions are a common condition that can cause discomfort and affect quality of life. As many as 1-in-3 Americans are living with bunions. Understanding what bunions are and what causes them to become inflamed can help you take control of your foot health. What are bunions? Bunions, also known as hallux valgus, are bony protrusions that can develop at the base of the big toe. They form when the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe becomes misaligned, causing the toe to lean towards the second toe. Over time, this misalignment leads to the ..read more

Also known as hallux valgus, bunions are a common foot problem in the U.S., affecting a quarter to a third of adults at some point in their life. This is a painful degenerative condition where your metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint — which connects the base of the big toe with the rest of the foot — starts sliding out. As they progress, bunions can create a full-on hammertoe — which is when your second toe also starts to slide out or ends up under the big one. This is painful enough by itself, but once you’re already dealing with fatigue, swollen ankles, and back pain? Then it can quickly turn ..read more

Uncomfortable, progressive, and increasingly painful bunions are one of the most common foot deformities among adults. The more your big toe joint slides out of place, the more difficulties you will have when trying on shoes, exercising, or performing physical activities. When you reach this stage, most patients will feel it’s time to “get it over with” – and that’s automatically associated with bunion surgery. But getting it too soon may be as inconvenient as waiting too long. Plus, there are costs, a relatively long recovery period, and other life adjustments required. The decision ma ..read more

Being recommended for a surgical procedure always feels like a big deal. This may be because we automatically connect surgery with the rhythmic beep of life support machines, IV, needles, and hospital dramas. If this is the first image that pops into your head after hearing you need a bunionectomy, then it’s natural to wonder whether it’s truly necessary. After all, bunions aren’t deadly, right? While rarely dangerous, bunions can be extremely painful. In these cases, bunion surgery can significantly improve your well-being — but it’s natural to have questions! What is bunion surgery? As the ..read more

For centuries people have been wearing shoes for comfort and protection — however, not all of them succeed at being comfortable. Women especially suffer as their “professional” and “stylish” shoes — primarily high heels — tend to be extra uncomfortable. Maybe this is why women are 10 times more likely than men to suffer from problems caused by bunions. What is a bunion? Medically known as “hallux valgus,” a bunion is a bony protuberance at the base of the big toe joint. The metatarsal bone shifts outwards and the big toe points towards the second toe. (In extreme cases, the big toe can even c ..read more

What did the Formby Beach footprints reveal? Formby Beach in Liverpool is home to one of the largest collections of ancient animal and human footprints in the world, dating back 9,000 years. The prints are preserved in hardened mud along 1.9 miles of sandy coastline, where erosion has resurfaced them. A scientist from the University of Manchester found an 8,500-year-old footprint which due to its size and shape appeared to be from a young male, possibly a teenager. The scientist saw a mark in the boy’s footprint that suggested a bunion — a bony bump — formed on his outer, little toe.  Du ..read more

Bunion surgeries are always improving There has been a great deal of advancement in the treatment of bunions over the past few years. With advancement comes new and improved procedures, better surgical outcomes, better surgical products, and faster patient recoveries.  What also comes with advancement is additional confusion, fancy names for similar procedures, and, in some cases, additional risk to the patient. Our goal is to educate you about the newest advancements in bunion correction and give you a professional opinion on some of the newest, most talked about bunion procedures and w ..read more