What Is a Bunion?

A bunion also known as hallux valgus or hallux abducto valgus is a biomechanical condition of the foot that causes progressive changes to the boney framework causing of the first metatarsal phlangeal joint causing the big toe to drift toward the second toe. This condition also produces the classic bony bump with an increasing prominence of the bump as the condition progresses. Symptoms include pain especially walking, soreness, inflammation, redness and numbness. Diagnosis of this condition is simple. An evaluation of the foot and some x-rays to determine the progression of the condition is all that is needed for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.