Bunions
Pain, pressure or a bump near your big toe?
If you’ve noticed a bony bump forming near the base of your big toe, you may be dealing with a bunion, also known as hallux valgus. Bunions can cause pain, pressure, redness, swelling and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. For some people, bunions develop slowly and only cause mild discomfort.
For others, they can make walking, exercising or wearing everyday footwear more difficult.
Our experienced podiatrists can assess your feet, identify contributing factors and guide you through treatment options to help reduce pressure, improve comfort and support your long-term foot health.
Book an appointment today and take the first step towards more comfortable feet
Does This Sound Familiar?
You may be dealing with a bunion if you’ve noticed:
Visual Changes: A bony bump at the base of your big toe or the toe leaning inward
Joint Discomfort: Pain, redness, swelling, or stiffness in the big toe joint
Footwear Friction: Pressure, rubbing, or difficulty finding comfortable shoes
Secondary Issues: Ingrown toenails, and corns or calluses developing between or near the toes
Activity Pain: Discomfort that worsens after walking, standing, or wearing closed shoes
Not all big toe pain is a bunion. An accurate clinical assessment is the crucial first step to identifying the cause and protecting your joint health.
What is a Bunion?
A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, is a change in the alignment of the big toe joint. As the big toe gradually moves towards the second toe, the joint at the base of the big toe can become more prominent, creating the appearance of a bony bump.
Key Factors:
Genetics & Foot Structure: Family history and your natural foot mechanics are the most common causes
Footwear Impact: Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes don't usually cause bunions, but they significantly increase pressure and aggravate symptoms
Progressive Nature: Bunions are progressive in nature. While some stay mild, others gradually become more painful or limit movement
The good news is that several conservative treatment options may help reduce discomfort, improve shoe comfort and support overall foot function.
Your Treatment Journey
Assessment
We’ll take the time to understand your symptoms, footwear, activity levels, medical history and how the bunion is affecting your daily movement.
Diagnosis
Our podiatrists will assess your big toe joint, foot posture, walking pattern, footwear fit and any pressure areas to help identify what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Treatment Plan
We’ll explain your treatment options clearly and recommend an approach based on your symptoms, lifestyle, footwear needs and the severity of your bunion.
Treatment Options for Bunions
Every bunion is unique. Because foot structure and mechanics vary from person to person, there is no single "quick fix." We build a tailored care plan designed to relieve your specific pain and keep you moving comfortably.
Depending on your symptoms and circumstances, treatment may include:
Pressure Relief & Comfort: Strategic cushioning, toe positioning support, and practical footwear guidance to reduce immediate shoe friction.
Mechanical & Structural Support: Custom orthotics designed to address the underlying foot mechanics driving joint strain.
Joint Mobility & Strength: Targeted exercises and taping techniques to support joint function and reduce stiffness.
Long-Term Monitoring & Advanced Care: Ongoing tracking of joint changes, skin care for secondary calluses, and specialist referrals if surgical options are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Common signs include a bony bump near the base of the big toe, the big toe leaning towards the second toe, redness, swelling, pain in shoes, corns, calluses and stiffness around the big toe joint.
-
Family history and inherited foot structure are major contributors, and bunions are more common in women. Joint mobility, walking mechanics and footwear may also play a role. Tight or narrow shoes can increase pressure around the big toe joint and worsen symptoms.
-
Conservative treatment can help reduce pain, pressure and irritation, but it cannot remove or permanently correct the bunion itself. Surgery may be considered in more severe cases, especially when pain or deformity continues despite conservative care.
-
Orthotics can play a role in conservative bunion management when foot posture or walking mechanics increase stress around the big toe joint. They may improve gait efficiency and reduce excessive movement and pressure, helping manage symptoms and the mechanical stresses that can contribute to progression.
-
Structured, supportive footwear with a wide, deep toe box, a stable midsole and a low heel is often best. Overly soft or highly cushioned soles may feel unstable or allow excessive movement. Tight, narrow or pointed shoes can increase rubbing and pressure.
-
Toe spacers may reduce pressure, relax tight soft tissues and improve comfort. When combined with foot exercises, they may also support the small intrinsic muscles of the foot. They do not permanently correct a bunion but may form part of conservative treatment.
-
Because bunions are progressive, it is best to see a podiatrist as soon as you notice a bump or change in your big toe position, even before significant pain develops. Seek assessment if it is painful, changing shape, affecting footwear, causing corns or calluses, or making daily activities uncomfortable.
Ready to Feel More Comfortable on Your Feet?
If bunion pain is making it harder to walk, wear shoes comfortably or enjoy your normal routine, our team is here to help. We’ll assess what’s happening, explain your options clearly and work with you to find the most appropriate treatment plan.
Book an appointment today and let us help you take the first step towards more comfortable feet.