A bunion is a bony bump on the joint at the base of the big toe. It starts when the big toe pushes against the nest toe, forcing the joint of the big toe to get bigger and stick out. Persistent or intermittent pain in the big toe joint is main symptom. In severe case, it makes walking difficult. Other symptoms include a bulging bump on the outside of the base of the big toe; swelling and redness around the big toe joint; corns or calluses — these often develop where the first and second toes overlap; movement restriction, tenderness when pressed. Sometimes, the skin over the bunion can become red, blistered or infected because it has been rubbing against the shoe. The risk factors to develop bunion include wearing high heels, which forces the toes into the front of the shoes, often crowding the toes; ill-fitting shoes which are either too tight, too narrow; rheumatoid arthritis, inherited structure foot defect.
Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and pain of bunion.
