The main cause of bunions is excessive pressure being placed on the front of the foot, and is usually the result of wearing high-heeled shoes with pointed toes. A study by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society found that 88 percent of women in the United States wear shoes that are too small and that 55 percent of them have bunions. Overall, bunions are nine times more common in women than men. In some cases, bunions are hereditary; they also may be caused by arthritis or polio. Surgery – surgical removal of bunions help – but they can reappear if you don’t also treat the cause of them. The "metatarsalphalangeal joint " is the first knuckle of the big toe, where the toe joins the foot. This joint is very important for runners. Almost all of the body weight is transferred from the foot to the ground through this toe when pushing off. The faster the pace in running the greater range of motion is all on this joint. Any problems you get with this joint can seriously affect your running if you are not sensible. So unfortunately the treatment is slow down and flatten out. If it is not too painful you may get away with training for short distances on a flat surface. After the bunionectomy, the surgeon sutures the site and places sterile bandages on the area. Post operative care is necessary to be able to recover early. Initially, there will be swelling and pain on the operative site. The doctor will prescribe anti inflammatory medications to control the pain , swelling and redness that may occur. Support the foot without bearing weight on it or applying any pressure to be able to heal properly. A special shoe or a cast may be worn on the area after the bunionectomy as well. Constant follow up is needed to asses healing and any complications of the surgery. A successful treatment for Bunion (Hallux Valgus) requires a full understanding and careful characterization of each deformity component. A lot of treatments can be made available, however, the best method would be the one which specifically address the deformity. It is simple to diagnose this condition. Physicians may plainly examine the affected foot and listen to the patient's statement of what he has been feeling. Sometimes an x-ray may be required for confirmation. Bunions can become sore and inflamed, especially if rubbed by a shoe. Tight shoes do not cause bunions, but it can make it worse. This is why women are more likely to suffer from bunions than men. Making sure that shoes don't press against the bunion worsening the pain is the first line of treatment. Protecting the bunion with felt or foam pads or devices to separate the first and second toes at night may be recommended as may cutting a hole in a pair of old, comfortable shoes to take the pressure off the bony protrusion. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended to help relieve toe pain. In rare cases, physicians may administer injections of corticosteroids to treat the inflamed bursa (fluid-filled sac located in a joint) sometimes seen with bunions. Custom orthotic devices are another option that may be beneficial in some cases. The little toe exercise requires the smallest of movement but can be quite challenging. The exercise strengthens your feet and the muscles that run from the little toe up the side of your legs. These muscles are important for keeping your arches lifted and your ankles stable so your weight is evenly distributed on both sides of your feet. To do this exercise, stand up and curl all the toes of one foot off the floor. Touch the little toe only to the floor and then raise it back up again with the other toes. Do the desired number of reps and then repeat with your other foot.