Condition Lookup

Bunions

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Facts

A bunion is a bony enlargement of the joint and surrounding soft tissues at the base of the big toe. The enlargement makes the big toe joint stick out further on the side, and forces the big toe to curve in closer to the other toes. For some people, bunions cause little or no pain. Women are much more likely than men to have bunions.

Managing the condition so that it doesn’t get worse is a matter of wearing appropriate footwear, cushioning and supporting the area, and taking pain relievers as required. People with more severe bunions may need more specific treatment, such as surgery.

Causes

Some people develop bunions from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly (especially high heels or narrow-toed shoes). For other people, bunions are caused by factors beyond their control. These can include:

  • a family history of a foot type that is susceptible to bunions
  • neuromuscular disorders
  • conditions affecting the joints (e.g., arthritis)
  • severe injury to the foot
  • deformities at birth
  • wearing tight-fitting and pointed-toe shoes
  • problems that affect the way a person walks (e.g., rolling in at the ankles)

Treatment and Prevention

Detecting and treating bunions can relieve many of the symptoms associated with this condition. Doctors often consider whether the condition requires non-surgical or surgical treatment. The decision is based on the severity of the symptoms. Because bunions often get worse over time, early detection and proper treatment are very important.

Some non-surgical methods to reduce the symptoms related to bunions include:

  • cushioning the area with padding or tape
  • taking medication to relieve pain and inflammation
  • using physiotherapy to reduce pain and related symptoms (e.g., ultrasound, whirlpool baths, joint mobilization)
  • wearing custom orthotics to provide better movement and stability of the foot
  • wearing well-fitted comfortable shoes that are not too tight (if your shoes used to fit but now are too tight around the bunion area, you may be able to have them stretched in this area)
  • using a special splint at night to decrease the amount the toe angles towards the other toes
  • topical pain or anti-inflammatory creams

When non-surgical methods do not provide relief, surgery may be needed. During surgery, the doctor will remove the tissue or bone in the area of the bunion and attempt to straighten the big toe, and may join the bones of the affected joint.

The best protection against developing bunions is to protect and care for your feet every day. Avoid tight and narrow-fitting shoes. Limit your use of high heels. Wear comfortable shoes with adequate space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Getting treatment for very flat or very high-arched feet (if you are experiencing symptoms) will give your feet the proper support and help maintain stability and balance.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2025. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Bunions

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