Bunions

The symptoms of a bunion can include:

• a swollen, bulging bump on the inner or outer side of your foot, next to the big or little toe

• the affected toe pointing inwards

• swelling and pain in and around the affected toe, which can feel worse when putting pressure on it

• stiffness or reduced range of motion of the foot, which can make walking more difficult

• corns or calluses that can develop where the first and second toes rub against each other

• hard, red, and sore skin around the bunion, making it hard to put on shoes

Bunions develop from pressure placed on the big or little toe joint, causing the affected toe to lean toward the next-closest toe. 

Over time, this can cause the bone structure to change, making it painful to walk or wear shoes. 

While anyone can develop a bunion, it’s more likely if you:

• are female

• wear tight shoes that squeeze the toes together, such as high heels

• wear shoes that don’t fit you well

• are over the age of 40

• have a job where you stand on your feet for long periods of time

• walk in a certain way because of foot structure problems, like flat feet

• have rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, which causes inflammation

• have a family history of bunions

A doctor or specialist will be able to diagnose a bunion by examining your foot and asking about your symptoms. An X-ray is often needed to see how the bones and joints are misaligned.

It might not always be possible to prevent bunions from developing, but you can reduce your chances of getting them by:

• wearing shoes that fit your feet properly – without pinching or discomfort that squeezes your toes together

• not wearing pointed-toe shoes, such as stiletto heels

• use orthotics for support – if you have flat feet or high arch feet

• performing strength exercises for your feet – such as picking up small objects with your toes, or doing toe stretches

If left untreated, bunions can increase your risk of other conditions, such as:

• bursitis – painful, fluid-filled sacs that form around joints

• hammertoes – a change in toe joints that makes your toes point upwards, instead of lying flat

• metatarsalgia – it causes pain and swelling in the ball of the foot

• osteoarthritis – where cartilage on the ends of your bones wears away over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and less range of movement throughout the body

If your bunions are mild, pain-relief medication, physiotherapy, bunion pads, insoles, and splints can ease symptoms. You should also:

• switch to wider shoes that take pressure off your toes

• try to lose weight – if you’re overweight or obese

• use orthotics – devices that can support your feet, which may need to be custom-made

• ice the affected toe – with a cold block (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a thin towel

If your bunions are very painful, or if other treatments haven’t worked, surgery can help by removing or realigning the bone sticking out on your big or little toe joint.

At Welbeck, our orthopaedic consultants are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.