A bunion may appear to be just a bump on the inside of the foot near the base of the big toe, but it's actually the result of a more complex structural shift in the foot. Medically known as hallux abducto valgus, this condition involves the misalignment of the big toe joint, causing the toe to angle inward and the joint to protrude outward. Bunions are progressive and can lead to pain, arthritis, and difficulty wearing shoes. While some people experience no symptoms, those who do often benefit from early medical evaluation.
Bunions can develop from a variety of factors. In many cases, the deformity is inherited - passed down through family genetics or linked to specific foot types. Structural changes in the foot over time, trauma, or conditions that affect joint integrity can also contribute. While tight or narrow shoes don’t typically cause bunions outright, they can aggravate the condition and accelerate symptom progression trauma, or structural imbalances. Inflammatory types - such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis - are caused by the immune system attacking the joints. Less commonly, infections may also trigger joint inflammation.
Common symptoms include pain around the big toe joint, difficulty fitting into footwear, and the development of corns or calluses. In more advanced cases, redness, numbness, or a burning sensation may occur. Diagnosis is usually straightforward, as the deformity is often visible. Your foot specialist will perform a detailed examination and take X-rays to evaluate joint alignment and the severity of the deformity. This, along with a full history, helps determine the most suitable treatment - whether conservative care or, in some cases, surgical correction.
