Bunions: Causes, Early Signs and Treatment Options
Updated: Oct 8
“Will my feet look like mum’s as I get older?” This question often echoes in our podiatry clinics, hinting at the common concern many have about inheriting a family member's foot condition. At the other end, some patients delay their visit until their bunion has markedly progressed, too embarrassed by the condition to seek early intervention. So, what exactly is a bunion, and how can we prevent and treat it?
What Is A Bunion
A bunion is a change in foot structure in which the big toe begins to bend toward the lesser toes. This shift can lead to foot deformity, reduced balance, mobility, and often pain. Predominantly seen in older individuals, it's essential to note that bunions can develop at any age, even in children. As the toe drifts, it adds undue stress on the joint, potentially triggering arthritic changes and the painful emergence of a bursa.
While it remains somewhat mysterious why bunions plague some and spare others, several factors seem to influence their development:
Genetics: Bunions frequently seem to be a family affair.
Footwear: Tight, narrow shoes, especially with constrictive toe areas, force the big toe sideways.
Foot Posture: If you have flat feet or if your feet tend to roll inwards, the added pressure on the side of your big toe can heighten your risk of developing a bunion.
How To Avoid Developing A Bunion
The main methods of avoiding bunions involves reducing the risk factors mentioned above. While you cannot change your genetics, you can avoid tight, narrow or ill-fitting shoes and opt for shoes with ample space in the toe region to reduce toe compression. Issues with gait and foot posture can also be addressed, and early intervention may help slow progression.
What Do I Do If I Already Have A Bunion?
For those who have already developed a bunion, the main priority is preventing this from becoming worse. Many people live with bunions without experiencing any significant concerns or issues. However, the goal remains clear: preventing the bunion from becoming stiffer and more problematic.
Footwear advice: It's all about that toe space! Shoes with a broader toe box reduce bunion compression, offering comfort and slowing its progression.
Orthotics: Tailor-made foot orthotics can readjust foot positioning, alleviating big toe pressure and placing the foot into a more optimal position. If arthritis has compromised toe movement, orthotics can redirect foot function, preserving big toe mobility or in extreme cases, stopping movement completely.
Management of callus or corn development: Friction between the “bump” of a bunion from where it rubs on footwear can lead to the development of callus and even a painful corn. Your podiatrist can gently reduce this callus and recommend ways to limit its formation.
Toe splints and toe spreaders: While toe splints and spreaders might seem promising, they often fail to rectify the bunion. In some cases, they might even exacerbate the issue by displacing the smaller toes.
In certain advanced cases, surgery might become necessary. The world of bunion correction surgery offers numerous techniques, undertaken by either orthopaedic or podiatric surgeons. Your podiatrist can gauge the joint's dysfunction level, its impact on your daily life and discuss with you if surgery
Early Signs You Might Be Developing a Bunion
Bunions develop slowly, so the early changes are easy to miss. Common early signs include:
a small bump or redness on the inside of the big toe joint
the big toe starting to lean towards the second toe
rubbing, callus or soreness over the joint in narrower shoes
stiffness or aching in the big toe joint after a long day on your feet
If you notice these changes, especially with a family history of bunions, an early assessment gives you the most options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bunion be reversed without surgery?
No. Footwear changes, orthotics and other conservative care aim to reduce pain and slow progression, but they do not straighten the joint. Surgery is the only way to change the bone alignment, and it is usually considered when pain or function is significantly affected.
Do toe spacers fix bunions?
Toe spacers can make some people more comfortable, but they do not correct a bunion. We have written about this in more detail in our review of whether toe spacers actually work.
Are bunions hereditary?
They often run in families, largely because foot shape and joint flexibility are inherited. Genetics increases the risk, but footwear and foot mechanics influence how quickly a bunion progresses.
When should I see a podiatrist about a bunion?
If the joint is painful, getting stiffer, rubbing in shoes or forming corns, or if you have noticed it changing over time, it is worth an assessment. Earlier is better, as there are more options when the joint is still flexible.
Bunions: Not The End Of Your Active Life
Bunions, while challenging, shouldn't halt your zest for life and activity. If you have been struggling with bunion discomfort or merely seeking preventive advice, reach out to the team at My Family Podiatry. Call us on 07 3088 6116 or click the button below to discuss your bunion treatment options and set your feet on the path to health.
