Understanding bunions: A common yet often overlooked foot condition

Bunions are one of the most common forefoot deformities treated in my practice at Livingston HealthCare, yet many patients are surprised to learn how complex and impactful this condition can be.

Medically known as Hallux Valgus Deformity (HAV), a bunion is more than just a bump on the side of the foot — it’s a structural misalignment that can lead to chronic discomfort, mobility issues, and joint damage if left untreated.

A bunion develops when the big toe shifts laterally toward the second toe. Simultaneously, the first metatarsal bone—the long bone behind the big toe —angulates medially toward the center of the body. This misalignment creates an angle between the first and second metatarsals at their bases in the midfoot, resulting in the characteristic protrusion at the base of the bi