If you’ve ever felt a nagging ache at the base of your big toe or noticed a bony bump forming along the side of your foot, you may have a bunion. Bunions are more than just a cosmetic concern — they can make everyday activities uncomfortable and even painful.
We spoke with Manuel Ramirez, DPM, a podiatrist with Banner - University Medicine, to learn about bunions, why they happen and how you can find relief.
What is a bunion?
A bunion (also called hallux abducto valgus) is a bony bump that forms when your big toe starts to lean toward your second toe.
“Bunions are the most common deformity encountered in the foot and ankle,” Dr. Ramirez said. “This condition happens when the first metatarsal bone shifts inward while the big toe moves outward. This creates a visible bump on the side of the foot.”
Bunions can start small and get worse slowly. As they grow, bunions often change the shape of your feet, making it harder to wear shoes or walk without pain.
What causes bunions?
The cause of bunions is complex. One of the most common reasons is genetics.
“Bunions are most often inherited, meaning they run in families,” Dr. Ramirez said. “If your parents or grandparents had bunions, you might get them too.”
Other causes of bunions include:
- Wearing tight shoes: High heels or narrow shoes can force the big toe inward.
- Foot shape: People born with flat feet or low arches may be more prone to bunions.
- Other health problems: Conditions like arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis, can weaken foot joints and lead to bunions.
How do I know if I have a bunion?
Symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the bunion and the person's activity level.
“Some people only feel mild discomfort in tight shoes, while others have pain that makes it hard to stand or walk,” Dr. Ramirez said.
Watch for these common signs:
- A bump on the side of your big toe joint
- Swelling, redness or soreness around the joint
- Pain when walking or wearing certain shoes
- Stiffness or trouble moving your big toe
- Corns or calluses where your toes rub together
If you see or feel these signs, it’s a good idea to talk to your health care provider or a podiatrist, especially if the pain worsens.
Why you shouldn’t ignore a bunion
At first, a bunion might seem like a minor annoyance. But bunions don’t go away on their own. Without treatment, they can get worse.
“If left untreated, a bunion can lead to more serious foot problems like bursitis, arthritis and hammertoe,” Dr. Ramirez said.
- Bursitis: Swelling of a fluid-filled sac near your toe joint
- Arthritis: Damage to the cartilage inside your joint
- Hammertoe: A smaller toe bends into a curled position
Can you treat a bunion without surgery?
You can’t reverse a bunion without surgery, but there are some ways to manage symptoms and stay active.
Here are some things you can try:
- Wear comfortable shoes: Choose shoes with a wide toe box so your toes have space. Avoid wearing pointy shoes, tight shoes or high heels. Wear shoes with soft, flexible material and low heels (less than two inches).
- Try orthotics or shoe inserts: “Orthotics are special inserts that go inside your shoes,” Dr. Ramirez said. “They help support your foot, reduce pressure on the bunion and improve toe alignment.” You can find basic ones in stores or talk to a podiatrist or foot and ankle specialist about custom foot orthotics. They can make walking more comfortable and help prevent the bunion from worsening.
- Ice the area: Icing the bunion for 15 to 20 minutes can reduce swelling and ease pain.
- Take pain medicine: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help you manage bunion pain and inflammation.
- Use bunion pads, spacers or splints: These tools can reduce pressure and gently encourage better toe alignment.
- Get a cortisone shot: If pain is severe, a cortisone injection can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief. It doesn’t fix the bunion, but it may help you stay active and avoid surgery for a while.
- See a physical therapist: Physical therapy treatments like stretching and strengthening exercises may help improve mobility and ease discomfort.
What if I need bunion surgery?
If your bunion is severe and other treatments haven’t worked, your provider may talk to you about surgery. This is usually the last step, but it can help when the bunion affects your life.
“There are more than 100 different surgical procedures for bunions,” Dr. Ramirez said. “But in recent years, only a few have proven to be the most effective with quicker recovery and better results.
Your provider will choose the best option based on your symptoms, X-rays, overall health and activity level. After surgery, you’ll need time to rest and recover but most people return to walking and regular activities with less pain.
Can you prevent bunions?
You may not be able to stop a bunion from forming — especially if it’s in your genes — but you can slow it down.
“You can’t stop genetics,” Dr. Ramirez said, “But you can help reduce symptoms and progression with good foot care.”
Tips to protect your feet:
- Wear shoes that fit well and don’t squeeze your toes
- Avoid high heels and narrow shoes
- Use arch supports or orthotics if you have flat feet
- Stretch your toes and feet often
- Maintain a healthy weight
Can bunions come back?
Sometimes, yes. Bunions can return — even after surgery — especially if you go back to wearing tight shoes or don’t follow your recovery plan. That’s why healthy foot habits are important in the long term.
Takeaway
Bunions can be painful, but with the right care they don’t have to stop you from living your life.
If you’re think you may have a bunion or your symptoms are getting worse, talk to your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist. They can guide you through your options and help you find relief.
