A bunion is a bony lump or deformity that forms on the side of the big toe. It happens when the joint of the big toe grows sideways. The bunion pushes the bones of the big toe towards the smaller toes.
Only surgery can remove the bunion and correct the deformity. But there are things you can do to ease pain from bunions.
Check if you have a bunion
You may also have pain along the side or bottom of your foot. Pain is usually worse when you wear shoes or walk.
If you're not sure it's a bunion
A bunion can have similar symptoms to:
- gout - red, hot, swollen skin over the affected joint and pain that comes and goes
- arthritis - aching, swollen and stiff joints that usually feel worse in the morning
- broken toe - pain, bruising and swelling after hurting your toe
Contact a GP if you are not sure you have a bunion.
How you can ease bunion pain
You cannot get rid of bunions yourself or stop them getting worse.
But there are things you can do to relieve pain.
Do
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wear wide shoes with a low heel
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hold an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel to the bunion for up to 5 minutes at a time
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try bunion pads - you can get these in pharmacies to stop your bunion rubbing against your shoes
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ask your pharmacist about medicines that can help
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take paracetamol or ibuprofen
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stretch your calf muscles
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try to lose weight if you carry extra weight
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avoid wearing high heels or tight pointy shoes
Non-urgent advice: Contact a GP if:
- home treatments do not ease the pain
- pain stops you doing your normal activities
- your bunion is getting worse
- you have diabetes - foot problems can be more serious
Treatments from a GP or podiatrist
A GP or podiatrist can recommend:
- ways to ease your symptoms
- products that can help reduce pain such as insoles, toe spacers and toe supports
Surgery for bunions
A GP may refer you to a surgeon if your bunion is very painful or has a big effect on your life.
Surgery is not done just to improve how your feet look.
Surgery is the only way to remove a bunion and correct any deformity.
What happens in bunion surgery
The most common operation for bunions is an osteotomy. You usually have a general anaesthetic so you are not awake for the surgery.
During an osteotomy, the surgeon:
- makes a small cut in the skin over your big toe
- cuts or shaves the bone to remove the bunion
- straightens your toe bone
- fixes your toe bone in place with metal screws or staples
Most people go home the same day. The metal screws or staples usually stay in permanently.
Recovering from bunion surgery
It can take a while to recover from surgery.
You usually need to:
- stay off your feet as much as possible for at least 2 weeks
- avoid driving for 6 to 8 weeks
- stay off work for 6 to 12 weeks
- avoid sports for up to 6 months
- continue to wear wide-fitting shoes
After surgery your:
- toes may be weaker or stiffer than before
- toes may not be perfectly straight
- foot may still be slightly wide
Bunions sometimes come back after surgery.
