Bunions: Causes, Shoe Fixes and When Surgery Makes Sense

Key Takeaways

• A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the toe starts leaning toward the smaller toes.
• Tight, narrow, pointed or high-heeled shoes can cause bunions or make them worse, and family history plays a role too.
• Most people start with simple fixes, like wider shoes, padding and custom orthotics.
• Surgery is not done for looks; it is an option when a bunion causes frequent pain or gets in the way of daily life.
• Prima CARE's podiatry team in Fall River helps patients across the South Coast find relief from bunion pain, with and without surgery. Request an appointment to get your feet checked.

Request an Appointment With Prima CARE

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is a bony bump at the base of your big toe. It forms when the big toe slowly drifts toward your other toes, pushing the joint outward. A smaller version, called a bunionette or tailor's bunion, can form at the base of the little toe.

Bunions are common. In Mayo Clinic's Q&A on bunion treatment and surgery, a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon notes that up to 30% of people may develop bunions, but not all bunions cause problems or need treatment.

What Causes Bunions?

Shoes

According to Mayo Clinic's guide to managing bunions, shoes that are narrow, tight, pointed or high-heeled can push the big toe toward the smaller toes and cause bunions.

Family History and Foot Shape

Shoes are not the only cause. A Mayo Clinic podiatrist explains in Mayo Clinic's article on bunion surgery that an inherited foot structure and arthritis can also lead to bunions.

Common Bunion Symptoms

• A bump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe
• Redness, swelling or soreness around the joint
• Corns or calluses where the toes rub together
• Pain that gets worse in tight shoes
• Trouble finding shoes that fit

Shoe Fixes and Other Nonsurgical Bunion Treatments

Mayo Clinic notes that nonsurgical care is usually the first step. These changes can ease pain and keep a bunion from getting worse:

• Choose a wide toe box. Pick shoes with plenty of room so your toes can spread out. Skip pointy styles.
• Lower the heel. High heels push your weight onto the front of the foot and squeeze the toes.
• Use bunion pads. Soft pads can cushion the bump inside your shoe.
• Try custom orthotics. Shoe inserts made for your feet can help spread pressure more evenly.
• Ice and rest. Ice can calm swelling after a long day on your feet.

Nonsurgical Care vs. Bunion Surgery

When Does Bunion Surgery Make Sense?

Mayo Clinic is clear that bunion surgery is not cosmetic surgery. A Mayo Clinic podiatrist suggests considering surgery when a bunion is painful every day and you can no longer find comfortable shoes, but only after trying conservative care first.

After surgery, patients may wear a surgical shoe or cast for a while. Mayo Clinic also notes that wearing properly fitted shoes afterward is the best way to keep the bunion from coming back.

Prima CARE's podiatry team and orthopedic surgery team can help you decide if surgery is right for you, and Prima CARE physical therapy can support recovery.

Find Lasting Bunion Relief With Prima CARE Podiatry

Most bunions can be managed with the right shoes and simple care. When pain keeps you from living your life, surgery may help.

Schedule a bunion evaluation with Prima CARE Podiatry at 289 Pleasant Street in Fall River and request an appointment through the Prima CARE patient portal, or find the Prima CARE Podiatry phone number on the locations page.

Frequently Asked Questions