A bunion is a painful bump on the side of the foot near the big toe, caused by the toe leaning toward the second toe. It can lead to pain, swelling, limited movement, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes.
Causes: Poor foot mechanics, tight shoes, arthritis, foot injuries, and genetics, with high heels and narrow shoes being common triggers.
Symptoms:
Bump at the base of the big toe
Pain, swelling, or redness
Limited toe movement
Calluses or corns
Treatment:
Footwear: Choose shoes with a wide toe box and low heels
Bunion Pads & Orthotics: Help reduce friction and provide support
Pain Relief: Use pain meds, ice, or anti-inflammatory creams
Exercises: Stretch and strengthen the feet
Bunion Splints: Align the toe during sleep
Injections: For persistent pain
Surgery: For severe cases to realign the toe
Prevention: Wear properly fitting shoes, use orthotics, take breaks from standing, and maintain a healthy weight.
