Bunions

What are bunions?

A bunion is a hard, bony lump that grows on the side of your foot, next to your big toe. It happens when your big toe starts pointing towards your other toes instead of straight ahead. This pushes the joint at the base of your big toe outwards, creating the lump.

What do bunions look like?

You might notice:

• A hard bump on the side of your foot by your big toe
• Your big toe bending towards your other toes
• Red, swollen, or darker skin over the bump
• Hard or thick skin around the area
• Pain along the side or bottom of your foot, especially when wearing shoes or walking

Is it definitely a bunion?

Other foot problems can cause similar symptoms:

• Gout causes red, hot, swollen joints that come and go
• Arthritis makes joints ache and feel stiff, usually worse in the morning
• A broken toe causes pain, bruising and swelling after an injury

If you're not sure what's causing your foot pain, speak to your GP for proper advice.

How can you help yourself?

Unfortunately, you can't get rid of bunions or stop them getting worse at home. But you can ease the pain:

Do:

• Wear wide shoes with low heels and soft soles
• Put an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel on the bunion for up to 5 minutes
• Try bunion pads from the pharmacy (soft cushions that go in your shoes)
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain
• Try to lose weight if you're overweight

Don't:

• Wear high heels or tight, pointy shoes

When to see your GP

Speak to your GP if:

• Pain hasn't improved after trying home treatments for a few weeks
• The pain stops you doing normal activities
• Your bunions are getting worse
• You have bunions and diabetes (foot problems can be more serious with diabetes)

What treatments are available?

Your GP will examine your foot and may refer you to a foot specialist (podiatrist). They can suggest:

• Better ways to manage your symptoms
• Special shoe inserts (insoles)
• Toe spacers or supports
• Custom-made devices to reduce pain

What about surgery?

Your GP might refer you for surgery if bunions are very painful or badly affecting your life. Surgery isn't done just to make feet look better.

The most common operation is called an osteotomy. The surgeon:

• Makes small cuts in the skin
• Removes or cuts away the bunion
• Straightens the toe bone
• Fixes it in place with metal screws or staples

You'll usually go home the same day, but recovery takes time:

• Rest with feet up for at least 2 weeks
• No driving for 6-8 weeks
• Time off work for 2-12 weeks
• No sports for 3-6 months

After surgery, your toes might be weaker, stiffer, or not perfectly straight. Some pain may remain, and bunions can sometimes come back.

Can you prevent bunions?

We don't always know what causes bunions, but wearing properly fitting shoes might help:

• Make sure shoes are the right size with room for your toes
• Avoid high heels and pointy shoes

Remember, if you're worried about foot pain or changes, speak to your GP for proper assessment and advice.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.