A bunion, medically known as a Hallux Valgus is a deformity of the foot often around the big toe. A bunion is often first noticed when a bony lump appears on the outside edge of the foot which forms over time when your big toe pushes against your next toe, forcing the joint of your big toe to grow and stick out the side of your foot. In more severe cases the big toe can point towards the other toes on your foot instead of sitting upright. Some people experience pain, redness and swelling but this will vary between individuals. Bunion symptoms and bunionectomy treatments can be discussed at a consultation at our London Harley Street Bunion clinic, click here to book.

As bunions are often genetic it can be hard to prevent bunions if you are predisposed to developing them. You can take care to ensure that your shoes fit your feet correctly and have a broad toe area. It is also recommended that you avoid wearing heels over 4 cm high. At The Private Clinic we recommend that you check your feet regularly to spot deformities before any pain arises.

The exact cause of a bunion is often unknown but usually it is either a congenital bunion or an acquired bunion. A congenital bunion is often a result of:

• Deformities from birth
• Inherited foot type

• Foot stress or injury
• Uncomfortable footwear (narrow sole / high heels / ill-fitting shoes)

Genetics play a major part in the formation of bunions; this means that if your mother or grandmother suffer from them then it is likely that you will also develop them. During pregnancy the weight of the unborn child means that women tend to put more weight on the front of the foot to give them greater stability. This can cause the front of the foot to collapse, increasing the risk of painful bunions forming. Unfortunately, once bunions form, they will not go away without undergoing surgery. They can cause chronic pain, swelling and redness over the big toe joint, particularly after wearing tight-fitting shoes or shoes that don’t fit you properly. The symptoms of bunions can be eased by wearing wide shoes with a low heel and soft sole, bunion pads to reduce rubbing and taking regular painkillers to ease the discomfort. At The Private Clinic we can help to treat the bunion rather than just ease the discomfort. Our minimally invasive bunion procedure uses keyhole surgery with no pins or screws meaning you will be able to walk straight after the procedure and get back to your usual activities much sooner than traditional bunionectomy surgery. Book a consultation today to find out more.

Ill-fitting shoes can cause bunions to develop at a more rapid rate as they are likely to be causing excessive pressure and compression on the toes causing the deformity. The compression increases when wearing shoes with high heels as your body weight will sit at the front of the foot. Rigid shoes can also increase the risk of bunions as they will affect the natural flexion of the toes as you walk which weakens your foot muscles and encourages the development of bunions. Your shoes should conform to the shape of your feet without squeezing or pressing any part of your foot.