If you’ve ever noticed a bony bump on the side of your foot near the base of your big toe, you may be dealing with a bunion. Bunions can be painful and uncomfortable, especially when they interfere with your day-to-day activities. At footfeet, we know how important it is to care for your feet, so let’s explore what causes bunions, how to manage them and what you can do to prevent further discomfort.
What is a Bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe, typically caused by a misalignment of the joint. Over time, the big toe starts to lean toward the other toes, pushing the joint out of place and creating the noticeable bump.
Bunions are a common foot condition. Another name for a bunion is hallux valgus.
Bunions develop slowly, but over time the pressure on the big toe can cause pain, swelling and redness, and may become more severe if left untreated. They can also make it difficult to find comfortable shoes (which can increase the risk of falls) and lead to other foot problems, such as calluses, corns and arthritis in the affected joint.
What Causes Bunions?
Why bunions develop is complex and there is no clear definitive cause. Bunions are a progressive condition and develop against a background of predisposing risk factors, some are outlined below:
- Genetics: If bunions run in your family, you may be more likely to develop them due to inherited foot type. Females also suffer from bunions more than men.
- Improper Footwear: Wearing tight, narrow shoes, especially high heels, can put pressure on the toes and contribute to the development of bunions.
- Foot Structure: People with flat feet, low arches, or abnormal foot structures are more prone to bunions.
- Injury: Trauma to the foot can lead to joint damage and increase the risk of bunion formation.
- Arthritis: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints and lead to bunions.
Symptoms of Bunions
The most obvious sign of a bunion is the visible bump at the base of your big toe, but other symptoms may include:
- Pain or tenderness around the affected area, especially when wearing shoes.
- Swelling or redness over the joint.
- Limited movement in the big toe.
- Hammertoes, corns or calluses on the second toe, as it may rub against your shoes due to the misalignment.
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably due to the protrusion of the bunion.
How to Manage Bunions
While bunions won’t go away on their own, there are several ways to manage the symptoms and prevent them from worsening. Here are some tips to help relieve pain and keep bunions in check:
1. Choose Comfortable, Supportive Shoes
Wearing the right shoes is one of the most important steps in managing bunions. Look for shoes with a wide toe box, that allow your toes to spread naturally, arch support and cushioning are also important for distributing pressure evenly across your foot. Avoid shoes that are narrow, pointed or have high heels, as they can put pressure on the bunion and worsen the condition.
2. Use Bunion Pads, Compression Socks/Sleeve or Splints
Bunion compression socks/sleeves and splints can help reduce pressure on the bunion and provide extra support. These products can be worn inside your shoes to protect the bunion from rubbing against the shoe and causing irritation. Bunion splints can also help realign the toe and reduce pain. Cushioning foam is useful to protect from friction and pressure pressure when wearing shoes.
OS1st BR4 Bunion Relief Socks
OS1st HV3 Bunion Bracing Sleeve
Hallux Valgus (Big Toe) Night Splint
Hapla Tofoam with Overlap
3. Apply Ice for Relief
If your bunion is swollen or painful, applying an ice pack to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Ice the bunion for 15-20 minutes several times a day for relief.
4. Consider Orthotic Inserts
Orthotic inserts can help redistribute pressure across your foot and improve alignment, reducing strain on the affected joint. These inserts provide additional support and can be placed in your everyday shoes to relieve discomfort caused by bunions.
Emily Braidwood EB Flats Medigel Insoles
5. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Carrying extra weight can put added stress on your feet and aggravate bunions. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce the pressure on your feet and prevent bunions from worsening.
6. Exercises and Stretching
Certain stretching exercises can help maintain flexibility in the toes and strengthen the muscles around the bunion. Toe stretches, foot flexing and toe resistance exercises can all help relieve tension and improve mobility.
Toe Strong Exercise Resistance Bands
When to See a Podiatrist
If your bunion is causing significant pain, limiting your mobility or affecting your quality of life, it’s time to consult a podiatrist. A podiatrist can assess the severity of your bunion and recommend treatments, such as custom orthotics, physical therapy, or in more severe cases, bunion surgery. Surgery is typically reserved for cases where non-invasive treatments aren’t providing relief and the bunion is causing chronic pain or interfering with daily activities.
Bunions don’t have to hold you back. With the right footwear, supportive products, and lifestyle adjustments, you can manage the symptoms and prevent further discomfort.
At footfeet, we offer a range of footcare products designed to help relieve bunion pain and discomfort. From supportive insoles to compression socks, sleeves and splints, we have everything you need to manage your bunions and keep your feet comfortable. Explore our entire Bunion Collection of products to find the best solutions for bunion relief and prevention, and take control of your foot health today!
FAQS
Can Archies Thongs and Slides help with bunions?
Yes, Archies Thongs and Slides can be a great option for people with bunions. They offer support and have straps and bands that can be stretched to accommodate the bunion, making them super comfortable.
Can bunions be reversed?
Once bunions have developed, they cannot be reversed except with surgery. However, certain factors can make them progressively worse, and these factors are often things that can be changed.
Can you get bunions on the other side of the foot?
Yes, this is called "bunionette: or a "tailor's bunion" and they affect the little toe. While not as common as a bunion, their symptoms, causes and home treatments are similar.
Is a turf toe the same as a bunion?
No! Turf toe is more often caused by an injury to the big toe when it is forced to extend beyond its normal limit. This causes a sprain to the ligaments in the toe joint. The condition is often associated with playing sports on artificial turf, hence the name, "turf toe".
A bunion is a common foot problem. It appears as a bump that forms at the base of the big toe. The big toe becomes misaligned and starts leaning toward the second toe.
Is a hammer toe the same as a bunion?
No! Hammer toes affect the smaller toes, while bunions affect the big toe joint.
A hammer toe occurs when a toe (usually the second, third, or fourth) bends abnormally at the middle joint, causing it to resemble a hammer.
A bunion, on the other hand, is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing it to lean toward the other toes.
How to relieve bunion pain when running?
Make sure to wear wide fitting running shoes to make sure there isn’t irritation and stress on the bunion. Wearing custom orthotics can also be beneficial in reducing symptoms.
Do bunion braces work?
In mild and initial stages, bunion braces can help reduce symptoms.
Can bunions cause ingrown toenails?
Yes, bunions can lead to ingrown toenails. Bunions push the big toe inward, crowding the other toes and altering the nail’s growth direction. This pressure can force the nail edge into the surrounding skin, leading to ingrown toenails. Proper footwear and bunion management can help prevent this issue.
Can tight shoes cause bunions?
Yes, narrow fitting shoes can lead to bunions forming in some people. Constrictive shoes can cause the big toe to bend in even further, making bunions worse. Choosing open, comfortable footwear with arch support can be a better option for people with bunions.