Bunions are bony protrusions that stick out from the side of your foot. They form at the base of your big toe when the bones shift out of alignment. When a bunion develops, your big toe will start to point toward your other toes instead of pointing forward, and the end of the bone will stick out. This creates a large, hard lump on your foot. Sometimes, a smaller bunion forms at the base of the pinky toe. This is known as a tailor’s bunion or a bunionette, but it’s not usually as painful or serious as a bunion that forms on your big toe.
Because you put so much pressure on your feet whenever you stand up or walk, bunions can become very painful and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, they won’t go away on their own. You can minimize the discomfort with some lifestyle changes, but the bunion will probably keep growing. If it starts to interfere with your daily life, your doctor may recommend a surgery to fix the misaligned bones. The surgery, known as a bunionectomy, removes the protruding part of the bone and realigns the joint. Bunions are sometimes mistaken for other foot deformities, so knowing the signs and symptoms of the condition can help you identify it and properly treat it. Here are seven signs of bunions:
1. Bone Deformity
Bunions are bone deformities in the big toe, so a noticeable deformity is the main sign of the condition. As a bunion develops, the big toe starts to lean toward the second toe instead of pointing straight ahead. This happens because the angle between the first and second long bones in the toe increases, which pushes the toe inward. Over time, the bones in the toe will become misaligned, and the bones on the side of the toe will start to protrude outward. This causes the characteristic bump on the side of the foot. In the early stages, the bone deformity might not be noticeable. If it worsens, though, the bump will become visible.
Experts aren’t sure exactly why some people develop this condition, but it is probably linked to genetics. Some people are born with a foot structure that’s naturally vulnerable to developing bunions. They aren’t born with the bone deformity, but they’re at a greater risk of developing it. Wearing shoes that are tight around the toes won’t cause bunions to form, but it can make existing bunions worse. Without surgical treatment, the bone deformity that causes a bunion is permanent, and it can lead to a variety of other uncomfortable symptoms.
2. Pain
Bunions usually cause some degree of pain, and the discomfort tends to worsen as the deformity worsens. There are several reasons you might experience pain. Because the big toe is misaligned, there’s extra pressure on the joint whenever you walk. This joint carries much of your weight and flexes every time you take a step, so the pressure can cause inflammation. If you wear shoes that rub against the bump, painful callouses may form. Also, because a bunion causes your big toe to point inward, your other toes may feel crowded or painful as well. Wearing shoes that give your toes plenty of room can help manage the discomfort.
3. Stiffness
Stiffness is another common symptom of bunions that results from the bone and joint misalignment. The bursa, a fluid-filled sac between the bones in the toe, is supposed to cushion the joint to prevent pain when you walk. As the bones fall out of alignment, there is extra pressure on this area of your foot. This can cause the bursa to become inflamed, which can make the joint stiff and painful. It can be hard to walk properly when the joint is extremely stiff, especially when wearing shoes that crowd the toes. Joint stiffness can be particularly severe when the bunion is caused by arthritis, which damages the cartilage in the toe.
4. Joint Pain
When a bunion first starts to form, you may not notice any joint pain or discomfort. Over time, though, the misalignment will affect your joints. The bone deformity causes you to put extra pressure on the joints as you walk, so they can easily become inflamed and painful. The joint pain tends to get worse as the bunion gets larger. Some people only experience joint pain when they walk, but others have painful joints all the time. In severe cases, the joint issues can be disabling. Fortunately, it can usually be managed with pain medications, special shoes, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
5. Swelling
A bunion causes a hard lump to form at the base of your big toe, but swelling around the area might make it even larger. If your joints become inflamed or irritated, they may swell up. Putting too much strain or pressure on your foot can make the swelling even worse. Wearing high heels or other shoes that crowd the toes could worsen the problem, too. If your toe is so swollen that your shoe is too tight, your shoe might rub against the swollen area and cause a hard callous to form. Resting your feet and applying ice several times a day can ease the inflammation and help the swelling go down.
6. Redness
Bunions usually look visibly red or pink, which is a result of inflammation in the joints. You may even notice that the deformity is warm to the touch because the area is so inflamed. The misaligned bones put extra pressure on the joints, so they become irritated. Redness can also be caused by chafing or irritation from your shoes and socks. There could be chafing on the end of your big toe or second toe, too. The misalignment may cause your big toe to overlap with your second toe, so they may rub against each other whenever you walk. This can lead to chafing, callouses, and redness.
7. Tenderness
Bunions are usually tender and painful, and the tenderness may worsen as the deformity progresses. You might not feel discomfort from a bunion all the time, but it will probably feel tender if you touch it. The joint at the base of the toe might be damaged or inflamed, which will make the entire area feel sensitive. You may notice the tenderness when you wear shoes that put pressure on the bunion or when you’ve been on your feet for most of the day. Your other toes may feel uncomfortable, too, if your big toe is crowding them. It’s hard to completely get rid of the discomfort, but icing your feet and wearing comfortable shoes will help.
