Bunion
HALLUX ABDUCTO VALGUS - HAV AND TAILOR'S BUNION
The bunion or hallux abducto valgus (HAV) is a deformity of the big toe at the metatarsal level. It is a deviation of the metatarsal bone towards the outside of the foot, which leads to a deviation of the big toe towards the other toes.
TAILOR'S BUNION
About this condition
Tailor's bunion is the same type of deformity that affects the fifth toe. This deviation may remain stable or become more pronounced over time. It may or may not be painful. The biggest strain that people with bunions usually experience is the difficulty in finding shoes that are wide enough in the forefoot.
Bunions can be acquired or inherited. Acquired bunions are caused by deficiencies in the osteoarticular and ligamentary systems (aging, microtrauma and overloading) and represent nearly 70% of cases. Hereditary bunions usually appear in the first twenty years of a person's life and are called "juvenile". They account for nearly 30% of cases. Thus, bunions can be found in all people, however, women are most often affected. Wearing shoes that are too short, too narrow and/or high heels can aggravate this condition. In men, it is often caused by having flat feet or is hereditary.
THINGS TO DO
To avoid pain
Always choose the right size, width and depth of shoes
Shop in the afternoon or evening, feet are more swollen!
Favour 4 cm (1 ½ '') heels maximum
High heels are to be worn occasionally
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Make sure that sandal straps or shoe seams do not cause pressure on the foot, including the bunion
Consult one of our podiatrists at the Clinique de Podiatrie Montarville! He or she will do a thorough podiatric evaluation of your problem and suggest treatments that are appropriate for your condition. These may include advice on the choice of shoes/sandals, laser analgesic treatment, prescription of anti-inflammatory medication, prescription and manufacturing of custom-made functional foot orthotics. In some cases, surgery will be an option to be discussed.
A FEW TIPS
If you are experiencing pain, and/or while waiting for your appointment with one of our podiatrists :
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Wear good width shoes with arch support such as sneakers
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Apply ice (10 minutes every hour) or a topical anti-inflammatory or analgesic cream
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Consult one of our podiatrists at the Clinique de Podiatrie Montarville