Bunion Symptoms and Causes

A Guide to Understanding Bunion Symptoms

Bunions are far more common than many people realise. While they might look like a minor foot deformity at first glance, they can have a significant impact on your daily life if left unchecked. Whether you are just beginning to notice a bump on the side of your foot or dealing with persistent discomfort, it is essential to understand its symptoms and what they might be telling you.

In this blog, we will break down bunion symptoms and what they mean in terms of your foot health.

What is a Bunion?

A bunion, medically known as hallux valgus, forms when the big toe begins to lean towards the second toe. This causes the joint present at your big toe’s base to jut outwards. This shift creates a visible bump on the side of the foot. Contrary to popular belief that bunions are simply growths of extra bone, they develop due to misalignment in the joint structure of the foot.

There are three types of bunions. They are:

• Congenital Bunions
• Adolescent Bunions
• Tailor’s Bunions

Early Symptoms of Bunions

Noticing early signs of bunions is an important step. They are as follows:

1. A Noticeable Bump at the Base of the Big Toe

The first and most obvious sign is the appearance of a bump on the side of the foot. This bump forms at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, where the big toe connects to the foot. In the early stages, it might look small and cause no pain, but it can become more prominent and sore as time progresses.

On the other hand, the tailor's bunion symptoms manifest as a bump on the pinky or little toe.

2. Redness and Swelling Around the Joint

As the bunion forms, the skin around the joint may become red, inflamed, and tender to the touch. You might also notice it feels warmer than the surrounding skin.

This means that the joint is experiencing irritation, likely due to friction from footwear or pressure from walking. This inflammation is your body’s way of signalling that something is not right.

3. Pain or Discomfort in Your Toe or Foot

This pain may range from a dull ache to sharp and stabbing sensations. Some people experience pain only after wearing certain types of shoes, while others find the discomfort constant, regardless of footwear.

When you experience pain in the foot, it means that the bunion has progressed enough to impact how you walk or stand. The altered foot mechanics can place extra strain on surrounding joints, tendons, and nerves.

4. Corns and Calluses on Your Toe

You may spot thickened areas of skin on your toe or the ball of your foot. These develop due to friction from your toes rubbing against each other. It can also develop from the bunion pressing against your shoe.

Your foot is compensating for the changed structure. As your toes angle inward, they rub against neighbouring toes or the inside of your shoe, leading to skin irritation.

Late Bunion Symptoms

Bunions can evolve from being a mild inconvenience to a source of ongoing discomfort and functional problems. The symptoms are as follows:

1. Limited Range of Motion in Big Toe

You may start to find it difficult to move your big toe, particularly when trying to bend or straighten it. This stiffness tends to worsen over time.

The joint at the base of your big toe is becoming arthritic or structurally impaired. This reduced mobility can affect your gait and overall foot function.

2. Pain While Walking or Standing

At this stage, your pain may not stay confined to the bunion. You could feel aching in the arch, heel, or ball of the foot. Long periods of standing or walking may become unbearable.

Your body starts compensating for the misalignment, and other areas of your foot are bearing the brunt of the stress. This often leads to secondary problems like plantar fasciitis or metatarsalgia.

3. Second Toe Deformity

As the big toe pushes inward, it can crowd the second toe, forcing it upward or sideways. Over time, this can lead to overlapping toes or the development of a hammer toe.

What Causes Bunions?

Although bunions can affect anyone, several factors increase the risk of developing them:

• Genetics: If your parents or grandparents had bunions, you are more likely to develop them.
• Foot Shape: Flat feet or low arches can contribute to bunion formation.
• Poor Footwear: Shoes that squeeze the toes, such as narrow dress shoes or high heels, can exacerbate the problem.
• Medical conditions: Arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, can weaken the foot’s joints and lead to bunion arthritis symptoms.

When Should You See a Specialist?

Many people ignore bunion symptoms, hoping they will go away. Unfortunately, bunions do not resolve on their own. The earlier you address them, the better your chances of avoiding surgery.

You should consult a podiatrist or orthopaedic specialist if:

• Your pain interferes with daily activities
• You are unable to find shoes that fit comfortably
• The bump becomes increasingly noticeable
• You experience numbness or tingling in the toes
• Other toes begin to shift out of position

A foot specialist will typically assess the bunion using a physical exam and X-rays. They will recommend treatment based on the severity of the deformity and your lifestyle.

What are the Treatment Options for Bunions?

Treatment depends on the condition of the bunion you have. If it is still in its early stages, conservative treatments may help. However, if your bunion is worse, then surgical intervention is needed.

Conservative Treatments

If your bunion is mild or in its early stages, you may find relief with:

• Wider Footwear: Choose shoes with a roomy toe box to reduce pressure.
• Orthotic Inserts: Your shoe insole plays a great role in correcting a bunion. Custom insoles help redistribute weight and support proper alignment.
• Padding and Taping: These protect your bunion from friction and keep the toe in a better position.
• Anti-inflammatory Medication: Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs reduce swelling and pain in your foot.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises can improve joint mobility and strengthen foot muscles, making the symptoms easier to manage.

Surgical Intervention

When conservative measures no longer help, surgery may be necessary. Commonly known as bunionectomy, this procedure realigns your bone, ligaments, and tendons in the big toe. There are several surgical techniques, and the doctor chooses depending on the bunion severity.

Recovery times vary but typically range from six weeks to three months. With proper post-operative care, most people return to normal activities without significant pain.

Mild pain? → Try wider shoes + padding

Persistent pain? → See podiatrist for orthotics

Severe deformity? → Consult orthopedic surgeon

Final Thoughts

Bunion symptoms can be subtle at first, but they often signal a larger issue with the structure and mechanics of your foot. While many try to brush off early signs as minor annoyances, it is best not to ignore them. If you identify with any of the symptoms, take action now and consult a doctor.