Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What is hallux valgus commonly known as?

1. A bunion

2. A type of corn

3. A callus formation

4. A foot ulcer

The correct answer is: A bunion

Hallux valgus is commonly recognized as a bunion, which is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. In this condition, the big toe is deviated laterally towards the second toe, causing the bunion to protrude. This deformity can lead to localized pain, discomfort in footwear, and sometimes inflammation. Understanding the terminology around foot conditions is important for effective communication in clinical practice. For instance, while corns, calluses, or foot ulcers can also be issues affecting the feet, they represent different types of skin or soft tissue complications. Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop in response to friction, calluses are larger areas of thickened skin often resulting from pressure, and foot ulcers are open sores that can lead to more serious complications, particularly in individuals with diabetes or poor circulation. In contrast, hallux valgus specifically refers to the structural alignment of the big toe and its associated manifestations like bunions. This distinction underlines the importance of accurate terminology in the assessment and treatment of foot disorders.