BUNION
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A displacement of two major bones of the
foot (hallux valgus) causes bunions, although not everyone with this
displacement will develop the joint swelling and bone overgrowth
that characterize a bunion. One of the bones involved is called the
first metatarsal bone. This bone is long and slender, with the big
toe attached on one end and the other end connected to foot bones
closer to the ankle. This foot bone is displaced in the direction of
the four other metatarsals connected with the toes. The other bone
involved is the big toe itself, which is displaced toward the
smaller toes. As the big toe continues to move toward the smaller
toes, it may become displaced under or over the second toe. The
displacement of these two foot bones causes a projection of bone on
the inside portion of the forefoot. The skin over this projection
often becomes inflamed from rubbing against the shoe, and a callus
may form.
The joint contains a small sac (bursa) filled with fluid that
cushions the bones and helps the joint to move smoothly. When a
bunion forms, this sac becomes inflamed and thickened. The swelling
in the joint causes additional pain and pressure in the toe. |
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| BUNION RELATED ITEMS |
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