WHAT CAUSES BUNIONS
Although they may develop on the fifth (little) toe, bunions usually occur at the base of the big toe. Bunions are often caused by incorrect foot mechanics. The foot may flatten too much, forcing the toe joint to move beyond normal range. In some cases, joint damage caused by arthritis or an injury produces a bunion. And some people are born with the tendency to develop bunions. If you’re at risk for developing a bunion, wearing high- heeled or poorly fitting shoes makes the problem worse.

Types of Bunions
Positional (mild) bunions arise from the growth or new bone. STRUCTURAL (severe) bunions result when the joint at the base of the toe shifts position. Many bunions are a combination of both types.

Shifting soft tissue
To realign the affected joint, any tight tendons on the inside of the toe are leased (cut). New bone that makes up the bunion is shaved away.

Shifting Bone.
The most common bunion surgery reduces the angle between the first and second toes. Bones in the big toe joint are realigned and the bunion is shaved away. Ligaments and tendons around the joint may be tightened to hold it properly in place

Removing bone.
If a structural bunion is severe, a piece of bone is removed from the first metatarsal (the long bone behind the big toe joint). Once repositioned, this bone may be held in place with a pin or a screw. Any new bone that makes up a bunion is shaved away.