Not Medical Advice:
A bunion is a bony bump that develops at the base of the big toe. Sometimes the big toe angles toward the other toes. It is called a bunionette if this happens on the little toe.
Years of wearing tight, improper fitting footwear can bring on bunions. Women who wear high heeled, pointed shoes are especially susceptible. Shoes alone are not the sole cause of bunions. Other causes include feet spreading with aging, genetics, poor or weak foot structure, loose ligaments in the foot, previous foot injuries, arthritis, and leg discrepancies.
Podiatrists recommend conservative treatment of bunions in their early stages. Options include well-fitting shoes, bunion pads, splints, orthotics or other shoe inserts, and over-the-counter pain relievers for swelling and inflammation. Surgery is only recommended when the deformity becomes very severe. It should be avoided for strictly cosmetic reasons.
About Health offers tips on how to find shoes that fit.
Are feet really the next big thing for plastic surgery? New York-based podiatrist Dr. Suzanne Levin seems to think so with the increasing numbers of women having toes lengthened or shortened to make their feet look more attractive. Find out more from The Australian.