Bunions

 A bunions is a tender, painful enlargement caused by inflammation of the soft tissues (bursal sac) and bone at the outer edge of the base of the big toe. The great toe bends toward the little toe and may overlap the second toe. The skin over the protrusion rubs against the shoe and forms a callus.

Bunions. Note how the bones of the big toe are directed
toward the little toe instead of forward, as shown in the
normal foot at left.

Bunions usually develop at the same time on both feet. Hereditary factors include a wide foot, muscle imbalance and relaxed ligaments. Tight-fitting, pointed, high-heeled shoes, seem to force the toes into this abnormal position. The longer the irritation continues, the greater the deformity.
 Rest, foot baths, and cutting away the shoe at the side of the bunion will relieve the pain in most cases. You should wear shoes of such size and shape as to allow the great toe to assume its normal straightforward position. Placing padding between the first and second toes will help push the big toe toward its more normal position. Night splints are available commercially. In severe cases surgical repair may be the only satisfactory solution.