Bunions hurt because the pressure on the big toe joint causes it to shift out of alignment, creating a bony bump that rubs against shoes and surrounding tissues, leading to pain and inflammation.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Misalignment of the Joint: A bunion is essentially a bone deformity at the base of the big toe joint (metatarsophalangeal joint). Over time, pressure forces the big toe to lean inward towards the other toes.
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Formation of the Bony Bump: As the big toe deviates, the metatarsal bone (the long bone in the foot connected to the big toe) shifts outward. This creates a prominent bony bump on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe.
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Pressure and Friction: This bony bump rubs against the inside of shoes. This repetitive friction leads to:
- Inflammation: The tissues surrounding the joint become inflamed, causing redness, swelling, and pain.
- Irritation of Nerves: The pressure can also irritate the nerves in the area, leading to sharp or burning pain.
- Callus Formation: The skin over the bunion may thicken and form a callus in response to the constant pressure.
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Arthritis: In some cases, the misalignment of the joint can lead to the development of arthritis, further contributing to pain and stiffness.
In Summary:
The pain associated with bunions stems from the misalignment of the big toe joint, resulting in a bony bump that causes inflammation, nerve irritation, and pressure against shoes.
