A bunion is an enlargement of a bursa of the foot. It is similar to the affection elsewhere described as a house-maid's knee, the principal difference being that in this case the bursa beneath the great toe is most likely to be affected. The little toe sometimes suffers in the same way. Bunions are also caused by wearing illy fitting shoes, especially narrow toed shoes. Fig. 405 illustrates a foot badly distorted by an improperly fitting shoe, having a large bunion upon the first joint of the great toe.

Fig. 405. A Foot Badly Distorted by an Improperly Fitting Shoe.

Fig. 405. A Foot Badly Distorted by an Improperly Fitting Shoe.

The Treatment of Bunions

The treatment consists in the wearing of shoes which afford plenty of room for the toes, softening of the thickened skin by alkaline washes, and protection from pressure by the same means as suggested for corns. When the toe is very much distorted, it may be drawn into position by means of narrow adhesive strips. A very efficient way of straightening the deformed toe is to place upon it a cot, or some soft material, the free end of which should be attached by means of a strong rubber ribbon to a strip of adhesive plaster applied around the heel, and extending along the side of the foot. In some cases several strips of adhesive plaster are necessary. Fig. 406 illustrates an apparatus which has been constructed for use in these cases.

Fig. 406. Apparatus for Treating Bunions.

Fig. 406. Apparatus for Treating Bunions.