Bunions

A bunion is a small bony bump on the joint of your big toe. It presents itself when your big toe pushes against its neighbour, causing your big toe joint to enlarge and stick out. 

Smaller bunions, referred to as bunionettes, can also develop on the joint of your little toe.

You may have a bunion if you: 

• Have a bulging bump on the outside of your big toe
• Are experiencing swelling, toe pain, soreness and/or redness to the skin over the bunion
• Have any corns or calluses which often develop when the first and second toes overlap
• Have restricted movement in your big toe
• Have persistent or intermittent pain

It is not certain whether tight, high-heeled or too-narrow shoes cause bunions, or whether particular footwear merely contributes to bunion development.

However, there are several identified causes of bunions, including:

• Inherited foot type
• Injury to your foot
• Congenital effects (from birth)

Bunions might also be associated with certain types of arthritis, especially inflammatory types such as rheumatoid arthritis. 

Bunions usually don’t require medical attention, but can be irritating and sore. See your Footfocus podiatrist if:

• You are suffering from persistent pain in your big toe or foot
• You have visible bump on the joint of your big toe
• You have restricted movement in your big toe or foot
• You cannot find a pair of shoes to fit you because of a bunion

Although there is no medical treatment aside from surgical correction in some cases, we can help alleviate your discomfort and provide advice and guidance on how to prevent bunions from leading onto other conditions.

The team at Footfocus Podiatry are experts at identifying when more complicated conditions are presenting themselves as a result of a bunion. 

These foot concerns can include:

Bursitis: Small fluid-filled pads (bursae) that cushion bones, tendons and muscles near your joints that become inflamed.

Hammer toe: An abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe, causing pain and pressure.

Metatarsalgia: A condition that causes pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot.

If you are experiencing sore toes and suspect you have a bunion, book an appointment with one of our friendly and experienced podiatrists. To ensure you maintain healthy feet and wellbeing all year round, book a regular Podiatry appointment so you have the freedom to move, enjoy, grow and do more of what you love. Sign up to our newsletter for more information, offers and foot care advice.