The Facts on Bunions:
What Are Bunions?
Bunions are painful enlargements of the area behind your big toe.
Pain or stiffness in the big toe is one of a handful of bunion symptoms. Bunions can cause the foot to evert or turn outward, making it difficult to walk. Although bunions tend to be most common in women, anyone – even children – can get them.
You May Have A Bunion If You Have:
- Pain of your big toe joint, which may make walking difficult
- Redness and swelling of your big toe joint
- A callus underneath your big toe joint
- Pain or decreased motion of your big toe
What Causes Bunions?
There are multiple factors that can contribute to bunions. For example:
- Poorly fitting shoes, especially ones that are too narrow
- Abnormal motion of your feet
Whatever the cause, bunions form when the bones in the larger joint of your big toe becomes misaligned.
Managing Bunions
Bunions tend to form slowly over time, so while you may not notice until it is fully formed, there are some things that can help lessen the chances of developing one. And if you have bunions, symptoms may be mitigated by taking a few simple steps, like:
- Well-fitting shoes could help slow down the progression of bunions and alleviate discomfort
- Bunion cushioning can also help alleviate discomfort
- Consider wearing shoes with a wide toe box so they don’t crowd your toes
- Children can also develop bunions and should wear properly fitting shoes as their feet are still developing
- Consult your doctor for treatment options
Not a medical diagnosis. For information purposes only. If you have diabetes, poor blood circulation, or fragile skin, or symptoms are severe or persist, consult your podiatrist or physician before using products.
