Hallux varus is a deformity of the big toe joint that results in the big toe pointing outward, or away from the other toes, whereas a bunion would cause the big toe to lean inward. Hallux varus can be congenital, or it can occur from overcorrective bunion surgery, a tight or short abductor hallucis tendon, or injury.
Aside from the direction of the toe pointing outward, symptoms of hallux varus are pain, redness, and blisters on the toe from it rubbing against footwear. An ingrown nail on the big toe may also develop from pressure. The condition can be treated by stretching and splinting the abductor hallucis tendon. For more severe cases, surgery can straighten the toe.
