Bunions

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe. Bunions develop on the inside edge of your big toe joint — the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The MTP joint is where the base of your big toe meets your foot. The medical term for bunions is hallux valgus.

Visit a healthcare provider if you notice a bump on your big toe, especially if you’re experiencing pain, stiffness or numbness in your toes or feet.

Types of bunions

Bunions on your big toe from extra pressure are the most common, but they can form on other toes and for other reasons, too. Other types of bunions include:

Congenital bunions (congenital hallux valgus): Some babies are born with bunions.
Juvenile or adolescent hallux valgus: These are types of bunions that affect people younger than 18.
Tailor’s bunion (bunionettes): Tailor’s bunions form at the base of your little (pinky) toe. They’re usually the result of wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly or doing an activity that presses your little toe in toward your other toes.

How common are bunions?

Bunions are very common. Experts estimate that around one-third of Americans have bunions.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.