The Misunderstood Bunyion (Bunyan)

Photograph of a typical Bunion

The Misunderstood Bunion (Bunyan) – What are they and How Do We Treat Them?

The Bunion (see photograph), not to be confused with the mythical lumberjack Paul Bunyan (see photograph), can be a painful and debilitating foot disorder.  While both Bunions / Bunyans are important, the proper course of medical care in each case is distinctly different.

 

 

Paul Bunyan - Mythical Lumberjack

What is a Bunion (Bunyan) and How Does it Occur?

A Bunion is an abnormal lump that occurs at the base of the big toe.  A Bunion forms when the big toe cants inward, pushing against the smaller toes, and forcing the big toe joint in the opposite direction.  This abnormality is known as a hallux valgus deformity.  Overtime, the unnatural position of the joint causes further crowding of the toes and pain in the joint.  The bursa -sac at the joint can become red and inflamed, causing the Bunion to grow in size.  In stark contrast a Bunyan is indigenous to the northeastern United States and eastern Canadian woods.  However, Bunyan’s animal companion, “Babe the Blue Ox” can cause significant pain and toe injury if she accidentally steps on a foot.

Bunion / Bunyan Risk Factors

There are several risk factors associated with contracting a Bunion such as:

1. Wearing shoes that fit to tightly
2. Most commonly affect women at a rate 10x over men
3. Continuous use of high heeled, narrow toed, tight fitting shoes
4. Abnormal formation of the bone in the foot (congenital)
5. Rheumatoid arthritis

There are relatively few risk factors to attracting Bunyans such as:

1. Wandering the woods of the Northeastern United States and eastern Canada
2. Using a chainsaw or ax on public lands without a proper permit
3. Significant inebriation to the point of hallucination

 

Treatment and Cures

As a first step, the following actions are recommended:

1. Resting the foot and avoiding excessive running or walking
2. Wear loose fitting shoes or shoes with a larger toe box
3. The temporary use of anti-inflammatory medications
4. Apply a Bunion splint or pad

In cases of persistent pain, surgery may be the only viable option.  Surgery is the last option since it may not be entirely successful and it is strongly recommended that the patient follow the aforementioned protocol before committing to surgery.

Avoiding or curing a Bunyan is relatively straightforward.  The following recommendations have been known to cure Bunyan sightings.

1. Avoid ingesting alcohol or narcotics
2. Do not wander the woods with a chainsaw or ax
3. Refrain from outdoor activities such as:
1. Hiking
2. Camping
3. Hunting
4. Fishing in remote areas

A Bunion and a Bunyan

 Conclusion and Recommendations

I hope that I have answered many of your questions regarding Bunions and Bunyans.  If you are a having a problem, seek medical attention from a podiatrist or psychiatrist immediately.  It is usually apparent which type of medical professional you should consult.  However, there are special circumstances where it can be difficult to ascertain which medical professional should be consulted. In the photograph, a woman with a Bunion is sitting at the feet of a Bunyan.  Which medical professional should she seek?  I’ll leave that up to you to decide……

Keep your feet happy!

Dr. Corns