Bunion Types
We can identify two types of bunions on the foot, namely:
Hallux Valgus
The valgus hallux is the type of bunion which affects the first finger or “big toe” foot, which is the most common deformity (most frequent type of bunion).
The scientific name for this type of bunion is hallux valgus, a designation proposed by Carl Heuter in 1870. “Hallux” is a term, in Latin, which means “big toe” (1st finger), and “valgus” the position that it assumes in relation to the longitudinal axis of the body, that is, moving away from the axis of the body.
On the foot with a bunion, the internal part of the joint (metatarsophalangeal) develops prominence at the base of the 1st toe. This enlargement is due to the misalignment of the joint (metatarsophalangeal) and, sometimes, the formation of an additional bone. This deviation causes the 1st toe popularly known as the “big toe or big toe” of the foot to point out and rotate (hallux called abdomen with valgus deformity) towards the smaller toes.
Sastre Bunion or Bunionette
The bunion that affects the fifth finger or little finger, popularly known as “little finger or little toe” is Bunionette or Joanete Sastre , also known as a tailor’s bunion due to the prevalence of this type of bunion in this profession (due to use of sewing machines).
Deformity at the level of the 5th toe is a less frequent form of bunion than that affects the 1st toe (hallux valgus). This deformity is located at the level of the joint at the base of the fifth toe with varus deviation of the little toe, which is angled to the inside of the foot.
Thus, it can be said that the bunion occurs more frequently on the first toe or “big toe” (hallux valgus), but it can also affect the outside of the foot at the base of the little finger (Sastre’s bunion or bunionette).