Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Do you have a bony bump on the side of your big toe?

Then, you may be suffering from a foot deformity called hallux valgus or bunion.

“The term bunion actually refers to the painful bony prominence on the medial or the inner side of the foot,” says Dr. Ai Gamboa, a foot and ankle orthopedic specialist.

According to Pinoy MD, the main cause of bunion is the wearing of ill-fitted and stiff shoes. Consequently, your feet are forced to follow the shape of the shoes, especially when you spend a lot of time standing and walking.

Furthermore, experts say that bunions can run in the family.

“88% of the time, it is an intrinsic factor. 88% of the time, it is actually hereditary. So, you have to look at your mother, your father, your aunts, your uncles, or any of your family relatives from before, even grandparents -- they would likely have had a hallux valgus deformity,” Dr. Gamboa explains.

For those who want to prevent or are developing a bunion, you may use a toe spacer to help maintain the correct position of the toes.

In addition, you may also try the Pencil Pick-Up Exercise in order to stretch the joints of your feet and prevent it from staying in a stagnant position.

Lastly, the easiest and simplest solution to bunions is to wear comfortable and breathable shoes.

Learn more about bunions in this episode of Pinoy MD:

Watch Pinoy MD every Saturday, 6 AM on GMA Network.