What is a bunion?

A bunion is a protuberance of bone or tissue around the joint.

The enlargement occurs either at the base of the great toe or on the outside of the foot, at the base of the little toe. This is called a "bunionette" or "Taylor's bunion".

In more simplified terms, a bunion is an excess of bone arising from the growth of new bone or a misaligned bone in the joint resulting when the joint at the base of the toe shifts position.

Bunions are a functional pathology of the foot as well as structural. Bunions are hereditary due to the structural component.

Treatment consists of again, shoe gear modification, strappings, orthotics, padding, coritcosteroid injections, and ultimately surgery.