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Health Information Center

Bunion

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Bunion

(Hallux Valgus)

Definition

A bunion is a painful lump at the base of the big toe. Over time, it causes the tip of the big toe to turn toward the other toes. The big toe may also overlap the second or third toe.

Bunion.

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http://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=24652465BA00027.jpgBunionNULLjpgBunionNULL\\filer01\Intellect\images\BA00027.jpgCopyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.94NULL2002-10-013912122465_11992Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

The exact cause of bunions is not known. Genes may play a role.

Risk Factors

Bunions are more common in women and older adults. They are also more common in people who have family members with bunions. Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • A personal or family history of foot deformities
  • Flat feet that put too much weight on the big toe joint
  • Inflammatory joint problems, such as psoriatic arthritis and gout

Symptoms

Bunions may cause:

  • Pain in the big toe and second toe
  • Problems moving the big toe
  • Redness and swelling
  • A firm lump on the inside edge of the foot at the base of the big toe

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A foot exam will be done. It is diagnosed based on the exam.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to ease pain and improve movement. Options are:

Prevention

There are no methods to lower the risk of getting a bunion.

Supportive Care

It is important to ease pressure on the bunion. This may be done with:

  • Padding
  • Shoes that are wide and deep
  • Shoe inserts
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Bunion surgery. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery website. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/bunion-surgery.
  • Bunions. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery website. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/bunions.
  • Hallux valgus and bunion. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hallux-valgus-and-bunion.

Contributors

  • Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT, OCS
Last Updated:
2023-08-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.