Bunion is an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint).th bunion is usually associated with hallux valgus [hallux refers to the great toe, "valgus" refers to the abnormal angulation of the great toe], a deformity of the toe where big toe may turn in toward the second toe. This leads to swelling and tenderness of the tissues and forms bump.

The bump can be swollen bursal sac and/or bony deformity.

For maintence of normal alignment muculotendinous forces  act. When there is imbalance tendons, ligaments, and supportive structures of the first metatarsal do not functioning correctly and lead to deformity.Hallux valgus, the primary deformity responsible for bunion can occur in any person and the cause is not known. Footwear has been implicated as a cause but needs to be substantiated. Asociation with  flat feet, excessive ligamentous flexibility, abnormal bone structure, and certain neurological conditions has been found. [Read more...]