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Bunion pad

The human foot is a highly and complex dynamic structure. When there is a biomechanical or structural abnormality within the foot, excessive motion and/or orthopedic structural deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, and exostoses can result. Hallux abducto valgus (bunion) is a condition which is characterized by enlargement of the big toe joint and migration of the toe towards the midline of the foot. Heredity is a strong influence in the development of bunions. The bunion is the inflammation and thickening of the bursa of the joint of the great toe, usually associated with marked enlargement of the joint and displacement of the toe laterally. The bursa is a padlike sac or cavity found in connecting tissue usually in the vicinity of joints. It is lined with synovial membrane and contains a fluid, synovia, which acts to reduce friction. Properly fitting shoes and support of the metatarsal arch usually relieves pain and discomfort, but in severe cases operative correction of the deformity is required. Bunion deformities are aggravated by improper shoes and a biomechanical imbalance in the rear portion of the foot. A soft tissue bursae may develop over the prominence of the bunion deformity. Bunions typically cannot be cured by using a footcare device; however, the symptoms can be relieved. In some cases, the bunion may be treated with corrective surgery. Pressure and friction over the bunion may cause symptoms such as swelling, inflammation, and development of hyperkeratotic lesions. Bunions secondarily may cause calluses under adjacent metatarsal heads, hammertoes, and corns.

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