The most painful deformity of the forefoot presents itself in the form of bunions, and this can be so severe that sufferers are compelled to finding effective and urgent bunions treatment. Trying to walk with full-blown bunions is as painful as walki

Bunions are usually formed due to the displacement of the bones of the big toe. Displacement of the bone results in the growth of the bone on the medial side of the big toe joint and it ends up moving laterally, facing the smaller toes. In severe cases the big toe rubs with the smaller toes and compresses them, which then causes pain and irritation. If it is not managed in time, the big toe usually gets positioned on top of the adjacent smaller toe causing complications.

The most afflicted part of the society from bunions includes women, and men who wear tight shoes. Chronic use of tight shoes compresses the anterior part of the foot and deforms the big toe joint. Other frequent causes include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and tears in ligaments holding the joint of the big toe. People having a positive family history of bunions are more likely to develop this condition more frequently than others.

Bunions can be avoided by following a few sensible measures like wearing loose-fitting shoes and avoiding shoes with high heels. Moreover, podiatrists suggest a few stretching exercises which help strengthening the ligaments and muscles holding the big toe joint. The outcome of these exercises is very positive in preventing bunions.

Bunion therapy is categorized in two major modalities. One is the conservative management and the other is definitive or surgical management. A general practitioner always starts with conservative management and tries to cure the condition. Conservative management options include pain killers like ibuprofen, and acetylsalicylic acid. Ibuprofen has shown good results in relieving pain. Reusable bunion pads can potentiate the effects of painkillers; they are mostly made up of fleece or gel. Medical science has succeeded in making devices called 'orthotics' which help align the bones of the big toe. These are usually placed in the shoes of the patient.

The definitive management of bunions treatment rests upon surgery, aiming to relieve the soreness of the big toe and re-alignment of its bones.