Bunions: What Are They and What Can You Do About Them?

A bunion is a bony bump that shows up to the side of the base of your big toe. It happens when the big toe slowly starts leaning toward the other toes, causing the joint to stick out. Bunions are common and can affect people of all ages.

They often start as a small annoyance, but over time they can become painful and make walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable.

What causes bunions?

“Bunions form when pressure on your foot pushes the big toe out of alignment,” explains Blayne K. Patton, DPM, a foot specialist at Carilion Clinic.  A few common factors that contribute to bunions include:

• The shape of your feet (some people are just more prone to bunions)
• Wearing tight, narrow, or heeled shoes
• Spending a lot of time on your feet
• Arthritis or joint conditions
• Family history

Symptoms of bunions

At first, a bunion might not be very noticeable. As it gets worse, you may notice:

• A bump on the side of your big toe
• Redness, swelling, or soreness around the joint
• Pain when walking, standing, or wearing shoes
• Stiffness or less movement in the big toe
• Calluses where your toes rub together

Can you prevent bunions?

You can’t always stop bunions from forming, especially if they run in your family. But you can do things to slow their progression and ease discomfort:

• Wear supportive shoes with plenty of room for your toes
• Avoid tight shoes and high heels when you can
• Use cushioned inserts or orthotics for better foot alignment
• Stretch your feet and toes often
• Give your feet breaks if you stand or walk for long periods

How are bunions treated?

Most bunions can be managed without surgery, especially early on. Non-surgical options include:

• Switching to wider, more supportive shoes
• Using bunion pads or toe spacers
• Icing the area if it’s sore or swollen
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
• Wearing orthotics (you can buy inserts over-the-counter or get a prescription for a custom orthotic from your doctor)

Surgery may be considered if the pain is severe and gets in the way of everyday life. “Bunion surgery, or ‘lapiplasty,’ aims to realign the joint, but it’s typically a last resort after other treatments haven’t helped,” says Carilion foot specialist Ryan M. Putnam, MD.

When should you see a doctor?

It might be time to check in with your doctor if:

• Your bunion pain makes it hard to walk
• Swelling or redness doesn’t improve
• Your toe feels stiff or hard to move
• Home treatments aren’t helping

If bunions are slowing you down, reach out to a foot specialist so they can help you find ways to stay comfortable and keep moving.