What is a bunion? Patients usually describe them as a lump or bump on the inside of their big toe.
The “bump” they’re referring to is more complicated as the “bump” is the visible finding of a more complicated foot issue. The big toe leans towards the second toe, rather than pointing forward. This forces additional bones out of position producing the “bump” we see.
“They’re often caused by excessive pronation, which is flattening of your arch, or hypermobility of your foot,” said Dr. Brian Rougeux, a Marshfield Clinic podiatrist.
Bunions aren’t genetic, but they may be common among members of the same family because people inherit faulty mechanical foot structure from their parents. This makes a person more prone to developing a bunion.
Bunions aren’t just cosmetic problems
You may first notice a bunion because you don’t like the way it looks. Eventually it can progress to a more serious problem.
“Bunions can get worse over time,” Dr. Rougeux said. “Unfortunately, no one can tell you when it’s going to get bad or how bad it’s going to get.”
Pain and tenderness where the bump rubs against footwear are the most common complaints. Bunions can cause other problems, including:
- Altered gait
- Shifting weight to avoid pain
- Balance problems and falls
- Burning sensation to your toe
- Nerve pain or numbness
- Arthritis in the big toe joint
- Hammer toes (a condition that causes toes to curl downward instead of pointing forward)
- Painful rubbing against the second toe
Call your doctor if you have a bunion that is causing any of these symptoms.
Start with conservative treatment
You can do things at home to keep your foot comfortable and possibly prevent a bunion from getting worse.
Supportive shoes and special arch support insoles may prevent bunions from getting worse by reducing excessive pronation. Look for shoes with a wider toe box that provides more room for the bunion.
Avoid narrow shoes, such as high heels, that rub on the bunion. Flip-flops or walking barefoot are appealing because nothing is rubbing on the bunion, but you should avoid those, too. Too little arch support leads to excessive pronation that can make the bunion worse.
Medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, may help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Foot exercises won’t cure a bunion by shifting the bones back into place, but some stretching exercises can help prevent worsening of the condition.
Bunion correctors and shields
Bunion correctors sold in stores can help temporarily reduce bunion pain. Most bunion correctors apply pressure to the big toe, making it straighter while the corrector is worn.
However, evidence has shown they do not correct or slow the progression of a bunion. Some studies have shown that bunion correctors may make the bunion worse if worn long term.
Bunion shields can prevent your shoe from rubbing against the bone, but they also will not cure a bunion.
Surgery can help painful bunions
Your doctor may recommend surgery when conservative treatment no longer works.
More than 50 surgical procedures exist to treat bunions. They range from shaving a mild bunion to fusing the joint. Recovery times for bunion surgery vary. You may be able to walk the next day or you may be off your feet for six weeks.
“There is no single procedure to correct all bunions and its best to discuss this with your surgeon to find the procedure that is best for you. Surgery has risks and should be taken seriously,” Dr. Rougeux said. “You should only have surgery if your bunion becomes painful or starts affecting your balance and gait. It is not a cosmetic procedure.”
For questions about your feet, talk to a Marshfield Clinic Health System provider.
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