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What is a bunion? — A bunion is a bony bump on the joint at the base of your big toe (figure 1). It happens when your big toe points toward your other toes, causing the joint near the big toe to change in shape.
What are the symptoms of a bunion? — The symptoms include:
●A bony bump on the joint at the base of the big toe
●Pain around the big toe joint, especially when wearing shoes and walking
Is there a test for a bunion? — Your doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you have a bunion by learning about your symptoms and doing an exam. If your symptoms are severe or you might need surgery, your doctor or nurse might order an X-ray to see if the joint in your toe is damaged.
Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better? — Yes. You might feel better if you:
●Wear comfortable shoes with plenty of room – Low-heeled shoes with a wide toe box (the part around your toes) are a good choice. You can also get shoes that are specially designed to have extra space around the big toe.
●Do stretching exercises – This helps the toe and foot joints move better.
●Wear a bunion pad – This is a small cushion that keeps your bunion from rubbing against your shoe.
●Ice the area – Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on the bunion for 20 to 30 minutes after exercising or walking, or when you have pain. Be sure to put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and your skin.
●Take a pain reliever – Medicines such as acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) can help with pain.
How is a bunion treated? — If the treatments you have tried on your own don't help, you doctor might refer you to a foot doctor, called a "podiatrist." A podiatrist can fit you with:
●A special shoe insert – These are also called "orthotics." They help align and support your foot and toe during the day, which might relieve pain.
●A foot splint – You can wear a splint to help to straighten your toe at night while you sleep (picture 1). It might help with pain. It might also help slow worsening of the bunion, although there is no way to prevent this completely.
If you have severe pain or trouble walking, your doctor can refer you to a foot surgeon. There are many different types of surgery that can help to realign the toe and reduce the bony bump of a bunion.
Can a bunion be prevented? — No. But if you have a bunion, you might be able to prevent it from getting worse by avoiding shoes that squeeze or put pressure on your toes.
