Medical Word of the Day: Hallux Valgus

Hallux Valgus: a big toe (the hallux) that is bent outward (valgus) so it overlaps the 2nd toe; a bunion is a localized painful swelling at the base of the big toe that can accompany hallux valgus and is frequently associated with inflammation. Hallux valgus can be related to bursitis or osteoarthritis. Or come from wearing the wrong kind of shoes all the time (shoes that are too tight or cause the toes to be squeezed together)... sad news for all those high-heal wearers.