Types of bunions

Bunions on your big toe from extra pressure are the most common, but they can form on other toes and for other reasons, too. Other types of bunions include:

1. Congenital bunions (congenital hallux valgus): Some babies are born with bunions.
2. Juvenile or adolescent hallux valgus: These are types of bunions that affect people younger than 18.
3. Tailor’s bunion (bunionettes): Tailor’s bunions form at the base of your little pinky toe. They’re usually the result of wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly or doing an activity that presses your little toe in toward your other toes.

What causes bunions?

Bunions occur when some of the bones in your foot relocate and become misaligned. The misalignment causes the tip of your big toe to start moving closer to your smaller toes and forcing the joint of your big toe to stick out in the opposite direction. Several factors can contribute to the development of bunions:

1. Genetics

Inherited foot shapes and structures, such as flat feet or low arches, can increase your risk of developing bunions. If your parents or grandparents had bunions, you are also more likely to develop them. 

2. Footwear choices

Wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes can contribute to bunion formation. These types of shoes force your toes into an unnatural position, putting extra pressure on the joint at the base of your big toe.

3. Foot injuries

Previous injuries to your foot or toe can lead to bunions. Even if an injury occurred years ago, it might affect your foot structure and lead to problems later in life.

4. Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or neuromuscular disorders, can make you more susceptible to developing bunions.

How to recognize the symptoms of bunions?

Recognizing the symptoms of bunions early can help you take action to prevent them from worsening. Common symptoms include:

1. A visible bump on the outside of the base of your big toe.
2. Swelling, redness, or soreness around the joint.
3. Persistent or intermittent pain in the affected area.
4. Restricted movement of your big toe.
5. Calluses or corns where the first and second toes overlap.

Complications of bunions

Having a bunion may increase your risk of bursitis (painful, fluid-filled sacs around joints), hammertoes and osteoarthritis.

How are bunions treated?

The most common bunion treatments include:

1. Footwear changes: Switching to shoes with wide, deep toe boxes can take pressure off your toes. You may be able to use a stretching device to widen shoes you already own.
2. Bunion pads and taping: Over-the-counter (OTC) bunion pads cushion the area around a bunion to relieve pressure. Your provider might suggest using medical tape to hold your toes in the correct position.
3. Orthotic devices: Orthotics are shoe inserts that support your feet. You might need over-the-counter orthotics or custom-made inserts. Your provider might suggest placing a spacer between your big toe and second toe, too. You may need to wear a splint to keep your big toe straight when you’re not wearing shoes.
4. Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and swelling. You might need pills you take by mouth or topical NSAIDs (creams or ointments you rub into your skin around a bunion). Don’t take NSAIDs for more than 10 days in a row without talking to your provider.
5. Icing: Applying ice or cold packs to your affected toe may also help. Wrap a cold pack in a thin towel to avoid putting it directly onto your skin.
6. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are prescription medications that reduce inflammation.
7. Physical therapy: You may need to work with a physical therapist to strengthen your foot. They’ll give you exercises or stretches that may help your toes stay in better alignment.
8. Surgery: Your provider may recommend bunion correction surgery if other treatments don’t relieve your symptoms or walking is extremely painful. Your provider or surgeon will tell you which type of surgery you’ll need and what to expect.

How can I prevent a bunion?

Since bunions are caused by a combination of several different reasons, they can be difficult to prevent. That being said, wearing well-fitting shoes may help reduce the progression of bunions. In general, follow these tips to find comfortable shoes that fit your feet properly:

1. Avoid shoes with narrow and pointed tip especially if they fit tightly on your toes.
2. Even if you know your size, try on a few pairs of shoes to make sure you’re getting the best fit. Labeled shoe sizes aren’t always the same between brands and styles.
3. Sit, stand and walk in new shoes before buying them. Make sure no movement or position hurts, pinches or pushes on your toes.
4. Trying shoes on at the end of the day may give you a more accurate fit (your feet naturally swell slightly over the course of a day and are bigger later in the day than they are first thing in the morning).
5. Rest your feet. Our feet get a lot of use, so they deserve an equal amount of rest and relaxation. Getting off your feet, especially when you’ve been standing or moving around for a while, can help release some tension and pressure. If you can, take your shoes off for a few minutes throughout the day to give your feet room to breathe. Even if you’re wearing the perfect bunion-preventing shoes, your feet will still be thankful.

Your provider or podiatrist can recommend types or brands of shoes that’ll work well for your feet. If you have other structural foot issues like flat feet or high arch feet, ask your provider whether you need orthotics to prevent bunions.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Visit a healthcare provider or podiatrist as soon as you notice any of the following symptoms such as pain in your foot or toes, difficulty walking or moving, a noticeable bump near the base of your big toe and swelling in or around your toes. If you suspect you have a bunion, you can contact us today or set an appointment online for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. You may reach us in Bethesda Maryland to schedule an appointment. 

‍