What is a bunion?

A bunion is a bony lump that forms on the joint of your big toe. The bunion forms when the big toe moves towards the other toes, and making it bigger and stick out over time.

Bunions are a common foot condition. Another name for a bunion is hallux valgus.

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 develop slowly, but over time, the pressure on the big toe joint can cause symptoms, such as:

• changes in the shape of the toes and feet
• pain and stiffness when wearing shoes and walking
• redness, inflammation of the joint
• hard, thick skin covering the bunion
• difficulty finding shoes that fit well — which can increase the risk of falls

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:

• health 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 my doctor?

You should see a doctor if:

• you think you have bunions
• your bunions cause you pain, are red, or inflamed
• your bunions make 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.

How are bunions treated?

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

There are several simple management options:

• Exercise — It is important to try to keep your joints moving. A podiatrist or physiotherapist can help with this.
• Footwear — Wear comfortable, soft, and wide shoes to allow your toes to spread out. Avoid high heels, as they put pressure on your toes.
• Shoe inserts — A podiatrist can advise you on shoe inserts or orthopaedic shoes to decrease discomfort and reduce pain.

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

• Anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen may relieve the pain and inflammation.
• Refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon for bunion surgery.

If other treatments don't help or if your foot keeps getting worse or hurts more, you might need surgery. 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 easily be prevented. 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 take care of your children’s feet and your own feet. Wash and dry your feet regularly. Check for cuts, blisters, or changes in the nails and skin.

Complications of bunions

If bunions are unmanaged, they can:

• make walking difficult and change the way you walk
• prevent your shoes from fitting properly
• increase the risk of falls, especially among older people

If you have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, you may be at risk of other conditions such as:

• problems with the skin or the affected foot or feet
• formation of pressure sores and ulcers

Resources and support

You can call the Musculoskeletal Australia helpline on 1800 263 265 to speak to a nurse about bunions.

To find a podiatrist in your area, visit The Australian Podiatry Council.

Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours, 7 days a week (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).