A bunion is a swelling
near or in a
foot bone, usually caused by
pressure from improperly fitting shoes. Bunions most often occur near the
joint of the big toe where it joins the metatarsal bone of the foot. The bursa, a fluid-filled sac in the toe joint, becomes inflamed, which causes the pain. This condition is known as bursitis. They also may occur either in the middle of the foot or on the ball. A bunion near the joint of the big toe may force the toe laterally toward the second toe. Pads and splints are often used to straighten the
toes, and orthopedic shoes are frequently prescribed.
A corn is a localized thickening on the skin of the foot, usually near the toes, caused by friction or pressure.
Corns taper into the skin like an inverted cone and are painful because of pressure on the nerve endings. Hard corns generally occur over toe joints, soft corns between toes. Bursitis is possible with corns. Corns can be softened with ointments or removed by a physician.
A
callus is an area of hardened and thickened skin, usually found on the sole of the foot or the palm of the hand. It is also caused by pressure or friction. It affects only the outermost layer of skin and covers a wider area than a corn. A callus is not usually painful. When the source of irritation is removed, calluses tend to disappear. A callus may also be the thickening of tissue around a bone fracture that is healing.
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