What is a Bunion?
Hallux valgus or bunion is a deformity of the big toe and the first metatarsal of the foot, which can be seen as the progressive appearance of a lump on the inner edge of the big toe. It is the most common deformity of the forefoot and may or may not be painful.
Bunion explained in first person
Not everyone with bunions needs an operation. We operate on people who have painful bunions, where preventative measures and palliative treatments have failed.
Don’t be afraid of surgery. The operation is very quick. The technique has changed a lot. It used to be terribly painful afterwards, and now it isn’t as bad. If you take the painkillers as prescribed, there’s no problem, it doesn’t hurt.
The foot characteristically begins to widen as the protuberance increases. This deviation of the first toe can push the adjacent toes and cause secondary deformations in these.
Types of bunion
Hallux valgus are classified depending on the degree of the deformity and the extent of the angle of deviation of the affected bone structure. Depending on this, it is said that the hallux valgus is mild, moderate, or severe.
How many people are affected?
Hallux valgus is the most common deformity of the forefoot with an estimated prevalence of 25-35% of the population. It is more prevalent in women (95%) and usually appears between 40-50 years.
Substantiated information by:
Published: 20 February 2018
Updated: 24 March 2025
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