Hallux Valgus (more commonly known as bunions) is a foot deformity in which the joint develops a prominent sideways angle by turning the big toe outward and turning the first metatarsal bone inward. Due to this deformity, the bones of the big toe are pushed toward the smaller toes. This turns the first metatarsal head inward, which causes one to walk duck-footed. When walking, the big toe helps lift the whole foot by kicking outward. With bunions, however, when the foot kicks out, the first metatarsal head turns inward and the bunion turns outward. All this results in pain, rubbing and stress.
Maybe these symptoms sound familiar to you, but you’re still unsure as to whether your foot ailment officially classifies as a bunion. (Or maybe you’re in denial, on a mission to avoid the word “bunion” no matter what the cost.) If that sounds like you, here’s a great article that gives a quick description of the most common foot ailments. Check it out and see how you should categorize your foot issue, because you should know if you’ve got a bunion before you keep reading.
If it is a bunion:
Welcome back, and my condolences, for it must be true – you must have a bunion, or else you wouldn’t still be reading. A multitude of questions and concerns might be running through your mind: So, now what? What does this mean for me? Is it going to get worse? Do I need to seek treatment?
The answers to these questions depend on the severity of your bunion, which can be determined by the following: Does it interfere with daily life, such as physical activities, or wearing certain shoes? Does it get in the way of or cause discomfort for your other toes? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the aforementioned questions about your bunion, maybe it’s time to do something about it.
Who gets bunions?
So, you’re still reading. This probably means you not only have a bunion, but it’s negatively affecting your life somehow. We’re sorry to hear that, but don’t worry too much: You’re not alone. People of all ages, genders and homelands struggle with bunion ailments. Check out the following statistics to see how you stack up alongside other bunion sufferers:
- 9 out of 10 bunion sufferers are women
- More than 50 percent of the population suffer from bunions
- Almost 68 percent of bunion sufferers have a family history of bunions
- Certain foot types, such as flat feet, predispose us to hallux valgus
- Bunions tend to become more prevalent with age
- <18 years old: 15 percent of girls, 5.7 percent boys
- 18-65 years old: 26.3 percent of women, 8.5 percent of men
- >65 years old: 36 percent of women, 16 percent of men
We hope you’ve learned something about not only your own foot condition, but about how bunion ailments develop, vary and distribute among the population. Though bunions are never good news, they also don’t have to be the end of the world – and there are lots of different ways to approach the condition. Perhaps consider Bunion Bootie for your approach. The thin, flexible foot brace helps correct the alignment of the big toe and relieve pain and pressure from your whole foot.
Best of luck in your bunion-treating endeavors!