Bunions

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What is a bunion?

Bunions are a common foot condition. It’s also known as hallux valgus. A bunion is a bony lump that develops at the main joint between the big toe and the foot. The bunion forms when the big toe moves towards the other toes, pulling the joint out of line. As bunions develop, your big toe will become more angled.

Some people get a smaller bunion, known as a bunionette, in the joint of the smallest toe.

Illustration of a bunion on the left foot. — A bunion is a bony lump that develops at the main joint between the big toe and the foot.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Bunions usually develop slowly, and many people have them for years with no problems at all. However, some people find:

the bunion can push their toes and feet out of shape
the skin covering the bunion can become red and inflamed or calloused (an area of hard, thick skin)
the bunion can cause pain while wearing shoes and walking

What causes bunions?

The cause of bunions is not completely understood.

Many people with bunions have a family history of the condition.

Bunions can also be caused by:

conditions causing abnormal deformities such as rheumatoid arthritis
injuries to the foot

If you are prone to bunions, wearing shoes that are too narrow and tight can increase your risk of developing them.

When should I see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if:

you think you have bunions
your bunions are causing you pain
your bunions are making it difficult to wear shoes or walk

How are bunions diagnosed?

If you think you have bunions, your doctor will talk to you and do a physical examination to see how severe your bunions are. They might order an x-ray of your foot.

If necessary, they’ll refer you to a podiatrist or other specialist, such as:

a physiotherapist
an orthopaedic surgeon

How are bunions treated?

Bunions tend to progress, rather than improve. If you have bunions that are causing you pain, there are ways to manage them.

Management

If you have bunions, your doctor will firstly encourage you to wear appropriate shoes that are:

comfortable
soft
wide enough to allow your toes to spread out

Your doctor may also advise you to avoid high-heeled shoes. These shoes move your weight forward. This puts greater pressure on your toes which are squeezed into the end of the shoe. You should especially avoid pointed shoes that squeeze your toes together.

Your doctor can suggest other ways to reduce the pain and pressure of bunions, including:

using special cushioning bunion pads
wearing orthotics (shoe inserts) or orthopaedic shoes
taking anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen to relieve the pain and inflammation
maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on joints in the feet

Surgery

Your doctor might refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon for bunion surgery. You may need surgery if:

management techniques aren’t working
your foot is becoming more deformed or painful

Before agreeing to surgery, ask your doctor what is involved. They can outline the benefits and risks to you. It can take a long time to recover from bunion surgery.

How can bunions be prevented?

Because the cause of bunions is not completely understood, they can’t be prevented. But, by managing your bunions, you can prevent them from getting worse.

Always choose comfortable, wide shoes that fit properly and don’t squeeze your toes together.

Generally, be sure to to take care of your children’s feet and your own feet.