Types of Bunions

Broadly speaking, there are two types of bunion deformities, one that affects the big toes known as hallux valgus deformity and the fifth metatarsal known as Tailor’s bunionette or Tailor’s bunion. Both involve either the metatarsal deviating out of position and then the toe also deviating on the affected side.

Structural bunions including hallux valgus:

This is a deformity of the big toe involving the metatarsal and the proximal phalanx of the big toe, the metatarsal deviates inwards and the phalanx towards the second toe. This is the most common type of bunion deformity which causes pain and difficulty with footwear and requires surgical intervention.

Adolescent juvenile bunions:

This is bunion deformities in children, usually the growth plate stops growing at the age of 16 and the bunion can progress. Anyone under 16 having a bunion deformity is known as a juvenile. Most bunion deformities become prevalent in teenage years. The deformities can be initially protected in terms of progression with using splints and insoles, but may require surgery once the growth plate is closed at the age of 16 years old.

Tailor’s bunion:

This is a bunion formed with joint stiffness. Essentially the cartilage is also worn over this prominence of bone. Typical treatment of this would involve a fusion of the big toe or joint replacement, but the fusion appears to have better long-term outcomes. Although you lose movement, you have no pain, and it also corrects the deformity in terms of the width of the foot.

Most deformities of the big toe appear to be congenital or developmental.

Diagnosis of bunion and bunionette deformities and the type of deformities in terms of arthritis can be done with plain X-ray. The plain X-ray will show the degree of deformity, the quality of the bone, and the quality of the joint cartilage. This could help address the type of bunion and the typical treatment that would be helpful.

Know more about Bunion Surgery Recovery Week by Week.

Frequently asked questions:

Q. What are different kinds of bunion?

A. The different kind of bunions include bunions and bunionettes typically, but also there could be changes in the big toe joint.

Q. How do you fix a tailor’s bunion?

A. Bunionette is typically fixed with surgery and osteotomy procedure cuts and resets the bone. This can be performed using minimally invasive surgery involves a small screw fixation to hold the bone in the position.

Q. Diagnosis and when to see the doctor:

A. Diagnosis of bunion and bunionette form is done via X-ray. If you have pain, you should see a podiatrist or a doctor to assess this for you.

Q. Treatment options for different bunion deformities:

A. Treatment options usually involve either minimally invasive or open osteotomy procedures.

Q. How to stop bunions from growing?

A. Bunion progression will naturally occur over a few years, but you can stop bunions from progressing quickly by using insoles and supportive footwear which should help. Splints do not seem to work, but comfortable shoes do.

Q. How can I shrink my bunions naturally?

A. It is not possible to shrink your bunions naturally, but you can accommodate them in appropriate footwear with plenty of arch support and forefoot stability and cushioning.