Foot Bunions

A foot bunion is a bony bump that’s often tender or painful. A bunion forms at the base of the big toe joint, on the inside of the foot. Bunions develop when the joint of the big toe becomes misaligned. The tip of the big toe begins to point towards the smaller toes, causing the base to jut out. The bony bump can become irritated and inflamed due to pressure and friction, primarily from footwear. This can make it difficult to wear shoes and engage in physical activity.

If a bunion progresses, it can compromise the health of other toes, possibly leading to hammertoe, a condition where a bend forms in the middle joint of the toe. Ingrown toenails, corns and calluses are also more common in people with bunions, due to added pressure on toes and other areas of the feet. 

Bunions don’t typically cause pain on the top of the foot, although in some cases, the pain can radiate to the entire foot or even the legs. Bunions usually cause pain around the base of the big toe. If the bunion is more advanced, it may begin to cause pain in other toes. Because many people with bunion pain tend to shift their weight to avoid putting pressure on the big toe, it’s common to experience discomfort along the bottom of the foot, especially in the ball of foot area.

The only way to get rid of a bunion on your foot is with surgery. However, surgery is usually reserved for advanced bunions causing severe pain. Doctors usually recommend conservative methods first to ease discomfort and help prevent the bunion from worsening. These methods include:

• Bunion cushions — Since shoes are often the source of bunion pain, it can be helpful to relieve pressure using bunion cushions. Dr. Scholl’s® Bunion Cushions with Hydrogel Technology protect tender bunions from shoe pressure and friction. The flexible cushions are designed to stay in place for up to several days. You might also consider Dr. Scholl’s® Bunion Cushions, which feature two layers of cushioning for all-day comfort.

• Splint — Some doctors recommend using a split to relieve bunion pain. Dr. Scholl’s® new Bunion Relief & Toe Corrector Massaging Gel Splint is designed to reposition the toe, alleviating discomfort while reducing the risk of the bunion progressing to a more advanced stage.

• Shoe inserts — Certain types of shoe inserts, such as orthotics, may help improve alignment to reduce bunion pain. Dr. Scholl’s® Custom Fit® Orthotics are tailored to your individual foot geometry for superior support.

• Proper footwear — Changing up your footwear can help address bunion pain. Choose comfortable shoes with plenty of room in the toe box. Avoid high heels and shoes with a pointy or narrow toe box. You might also consider wearing sandals with an open-toe design.

• Cold therapy — If you’re experiencing bunion pain after an active day, try icing to reduce discomfort and swelling. Apply an ice pack or cold compress directly to the bunion for up to 20 minutes at a time.

• Warm soak — If bunions are making your feet achy, try soaking your feet in warm water. Consider adding Epsom salts to the water for additional relief.

• Rest and elevation — Give your feet regular breaks if you have pain from bunions. Stay off your feet whenever you can. You can also elevate your feet to reduce swelling.

• Physical therapy — In some cases, stretching and strengthening exercises can help alleviate bunion discomfort. Massage may also be beneficial for some people with bunions. 

• Pain relievers — Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful for bunions. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can help minimize both pain and inflammation from bunions. Stronger pain relievers are available with a prescription.

• Cortisone Injections — If your bunion pain hasn’t improved with self-care measures and over-the-counter remedies, your doctor may recommend cortisone injections to ease inflammation and pain. These types of injections must be administered in a clinical setting.

If your bunion pain hasn’t improved with home remedies and conservative treatments, see your doctor. There are several types of surgery available for bunions that cause severe pain and make it difficult to walk. These include:

• Osteotomy — During this procedure, the doctor introduces small cuts in the bones in order to correct joint misalignment.

• Arthrodesis — This procedure involves the removal of arthritic portions of the joint. Screws are typically used to hold the surfaces together, allowing bones to heal.

• Exostectomy — During this procedure, the doctor removes the bony bump.

• Resection arthroplasty — This type of surgery involves eliminating damaged portions of the joint.

A doctor can perform an evaluation and determine if surgery is necessary, and which type is the best option for you. 

Bunions develop because of pressure on the joint at the base of the big toe, which is also known as the metatarsophalangeal or MTP joint. Continued pressure can cause the tip of the big toe to gravitate towards the smaller toes, causing the joint at the base of the toe to stick out. This results in the signature bump known as a bunion.

Bunions form gradually over time, and they can worsen with continued pressure on the big toe. 

While it’s not completely clear why some people develop bunions while others don’t, there are certain risk factors, including:

• Gender — Bunions are more common in women than in men, possibly due to looser ligaments and wearing high heels and shoes with pointy toes.

• Genetics — People with a family history of bunions have an increased risk of developing bunions themselves.

• Lifestyle — Certain professions that involve a lot of walking and standing increase the risk of bunions. Some athletes and dancers may also have a higher risk of developing bunions.

• Age — Oder adults have a higher risk of bunions due to continued pressure on the big toe over time.

• Footwear — People who regularly wear shoes that are tight in the toe box may have an increased tendency for bunions. High heels may also increase the risk.

• Foot structure — Those with structural issues of the foot, such as weak connective tissue and flat feet, may be more prone to bunions. Certain types of foot injuries may also leave people more susceptible to developing bunions.

• Inflammatory conditions — Certain inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can leave people more vulnerable to bunions.