What is a Bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. It develops when the bones in the front of the foot shift out of place, causing the big toe to angle inward toward the second toe. Over time, this misalignment pushes the joint outward, creating a visible and often painful bump on the side of the foot.
Conservative Bunion Treatments
These non-surgical treatments can relieve discomfort, but won’t reverse the structural deformity:
Padding & Taping: Bunion pads, toe spacers, and taping techniques can protect the joint from rubbing and reduce pain.
Ice & Anti-Inflammatory Medication: Applying ice to the bunion and using over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises may improve foot alignment and joint flexibility.
Bunion Causes & Risk Factors
Bunions develop over time due to a combination of factors. While wearing tight or narrow shoes can contribute to bunion formation, they are often caused by an inherited foot structure or biomechanical imbalance. Other contributing factors include:
- Family history of bunions
- Flat feet or abnormal foot mechanics
- Repetitive stress on the foot
- Foot injuries
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Congenital deformities
When to See a Podiatrist
Not all bunions need immediate medical attention. But you should see a podiatrist if you have:
- Pain or soreness in the big toe joint
- Swelling, redness, or warmth over the bunion
- Restricted movement in the toe
- Trouble finding shoes that fit comfortably
- Thickened skin, corns, or calluses around the toes
- Worsening deformity or difficulty walking
When do you Need Surgery?
If non-surgical treatments no longer work, bunion surgery may be recommended. Surgery is often indicated for:
- Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with other treatments
- Structural issues that worsen over time
- Development of secondary foot problems such as hammertoes or bursitis
- Severe bunions that limit mobility or daily function
There are several surgical procedures available depending on the severity of the deformity. These may include bone realignment (osteotomy), removal of the bony bump (bunionectomy), or joint fusion (arthrodesis) in more advanced cases. At Vale Foot and Ankle, our surgeons also perform the minimally invasive (MIS) bunion surgery. This innovative procedure offers less pain, shorter healing time, and smaller scars. We take the time to determine the best option for you based on your condition and lifestyle.
request an appointmentWhy Choose Vale Foot And Ankle for Bunion Treatment?
Vale Foot and Ankle sees patients with bunions on an individual basis and offers both conservative and surgical consults.
We specialize in minimally invasive bunion surgery, a modern approach that minimizes tissue disruption, speeds up recovery, and reduces scarring. We use smaller incisions and advanced instruments to correct joint alignment with less downtime than traditional methods. You will experience less pain and less swelling than the traditional bunion correction surgery.
Whether your bunion is mild or severe our team will help you decide if surgery is for you and if so how to do it with the least impact on your daily life. We focus on long-term foot health, combining diagnostic expertise, proven treatments, and compassionate care to get you moving again.
Book an Appointment
Don’t wait for your bunion to get worse. Book a consultation with Vale Foot and Ankle to discuss your symptoms and get a treatment plan tailored to you. Relief starts with the right diagnosis.