A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big
toe which appears to stick out. The outside of the foot at the
base of the little toe can also be affected and is called a
tailor’s bunion. A bunion involves enlargement and repositioning
of joints at the ball of the foot and most commonly affects
women. Tight-fitting shoes, especially high-heeled and narrow-
toed shoes, might increase the risk for bunion formation. It
also has been suggested that inherited factors may predispose to
the development of bunions. A condition that is often part of
the bunion is an abnormal position of the big toe or the bone to
which it connects. One such condition is a malformation in which
the joint at the base of the big toe bulges outward (medically
termed hallux valgus deformity) from the inner side of the foot
and the big toe points inward (toward the smaller toes).
Excessive turning in of the ankles and injury may also be
factors causing bunions. Osteoarthritis may develop and cause
joint scarring, limiting the