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Medically reviewed by:
Gabrielle Mavelian, DO

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. A bunion forms when your big toe begins to lean toward your second toe, leading to swelling, pain, and trouble walking. While bunions can affect people of all ages, they are more common in older adults and typically occur more often in women.1

What Causes Bunions?

Bunions typically develop gradually over the years and can be caused by several factors, often running in families.1 Additional factors include:

  • Shoes that crowd the toes, especially those with a narrow, pointed toe or high heels
  • Inherited foot structure, such as flat feet, low arches, or loose joints and tendons, can make a person more prone to developing a bunion
  • Health conditions that involve the immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Foot injuries

Bunion Symptoms

You might first notice a bunion as a bump on the side of your big toe. It may be swollen or red. Bunions can also cause other symptoms, including:

  • Pain or tenderness around your big toe joint, which may be worse when wearing certain shoes
  • Stiffness or a limited range of motion in your big toe
  • Corns or calluses (thickened skin) where the first and second toes rub against each other
  • Numbness around your big toe

Left untreated, bunions can worsen over time and interfere with your ability to move around comfortably.

How to Get Rid of Bunions

If your bunion is causing you pain or affecting your daily life, there are several ways you can find relief. While surgery is the only way to get rid of a bunion permanently, you can often manage symptoms with non-surgical treatments, including:2

  • Choosing shoes with a wide toe box and soft soles
  • Using bunion pads or shoe inserts to reduce pressure
  • Applying ice packs to ease swelling
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (always consult with your doctor)

Talk with your doctor to determine how to best manage your symptoms.

Bunion Surgery

Your primary care doctor can usually diagnose a bunion and help you manage early symptoms. However, if your pain gets worse or starts affecting your daily activities, your doctor may refer you to a podiatrist (foot specialist) for further treatment.3

Bunion surgery is done to correct the position of your toe by realigning the bones, tendons, and ligaments in your foot. Several surgical options are available, and your doctor will recommend the most appropriate based on your condition.4 Recovery generally takes about 6 to 12 weeks for the bones to heal, with most people resuming normal activities after around 3 months.4 During the initial recovery period, you may need to use crutches for a couple of weeks and wear a medical shoe for at least 8 weeks to support healing and reduce swelling. Your recovery time may vary depending on age, overall health, and the procedure performed.

Need care for a bunion? Find a Bunion Surgery Doctor Near You.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bunions

What are the best shoes for bunions?

The best shoes for bunions are those that reduce pressure on the affected joint and support your foot’s natural alignment.5 Look for shoes that give your toes room to spread out. Choose ones with a wide toe box, good arch support, and cushioned soles. Avoid narrow or pointy shoes, and steer clear of high heels. You might find relief with brands that specialize in orthopedic or comfort footwear. Adjustable shoes with straps or laces can also help you get a better fit. If you’re unsure which brands or styles are best for you, a podiatrist or shoe specialist can recommend options that match your foot shape and lifestyle.

Are bunions painful?

Yes, bunions can be painful, especially as they progress. You might feel a dull ache or a sharp pain around the base of your big toe, especially when walking or wearing tight shoes. The joint may become inflamed or irritated, making it hard to stay on your feet for a long time. Over time, the pain can worsen and interfere with your balance and mobility. In some cases, bunions can cause other issues, like calluses, corns, or inflammation in nearby joints. The right shoes, home remedies, or medical treatments can help reduce your pain.

Related resources

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