Bunions
Hallus valgus
A condition that occurs when there is too much pressure on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a deformity of the big toe. The tip of the big toe tilts towards the smaller toes and a bony lump appears on the inside of the foot and can rub on shoes and become swollen and inflamed. The first metatarsal bone twists and the two pea shaped bones beneath it, called the sesamoids, stop gliding normally which can also cause pain.
Bunions are often inherited and can affect both feet. The painful protrusions occur when the bones in your toes drift, and they can grow larger over time. The longer bunions are left untreated, the larger and more painful they can become. Although symptoms can be managed, the only truly effective way to treat bunions is through surgery.
Open surgery requires the big toe being opened with long one incision and the bones being reshaped and broken. Keyhole surgery, a less invasive procedure, is performed by making five small incisions that is less traumatic to the tissue and muscle of the toe. Although not suitable for everyone, keyhole surgery can reduce recovery times with patients often able to walk without crutches the next day.
Need to know
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What are the symptoms of a bunion? icon plus
Symptoms of bunions include:
- hard lumps on the sides of your feet, by your big toes
- big toe pointing towards your other toes
- deformity of your lesser toes (hammer toes)
- metatarsalgia or pain under the lesser toes
- callosities or thickened skin
- pain under the toes and over the bony lump
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How are bunions diagnosed? icon plus
Your consultant will perform a physical examination to assess your whole biomechanical alignment including whether you have joint laxity (hypermobility), flat or high arched feet, your toe alignment, the presence of toe deformities and the motion of the joints.
An X-ray may be recommended if surgery is being considered and in some circumstances a standing CT scan may be recommended to look for 3D wear of the joints in a functional position. -
Potential treatment options icon plus
Non-surgical options
- Footwear advice. Most shoes on the market are narrow, and your specialist may give you advice on fashionable alternatives that put less stress on your feet.
- Physiotherapy to provide stretches, strengthening exercises and advice on foot and lower limb posture.
- Bunion splints are available and can be tried but are not very successful.
Surgical options
- First metatarsal osteotomy. In surgery, the bony lump is removed and the toe is realigned by a controlled break of the bone and the loose ligaments are tightened.
- Lapidus first tarsometatarsal joint fusion. This is used in cases of joint laxity or hypermobility.
Modern surgery is not painful and requires no plaster cast after the surgery.
Our foot and ankle consultants
Learn more about bunions
Do high heels cause bunions?
Our locations
From complex foot and ankle surgery to straightforward orthopaedic procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7HA
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London Ankle & Arthritis Centre
Platinum Medical Centre
15-17 Lodge Road, St John's Wood
London NW8 7JA
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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Platinum Medical Centre
15 - 17 Lodge Road
London
NW8 7JA
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344