That Bump Isn't Just a Bump
You feel it every time you lace up. A hard, sore bump at the base of your big toe, rubbing against the side of your shoe, getting a little worse every month. That's a bunion, and ignoring it won't make it quit. Let's break down what's going on.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the joint, at the base of the big toe. As the big toe angles toward the second toe, the joint is pushed outward, and the bump gets bigger and more painful over time. It isn't extra bone growing out of nowhere. It's a change in how the bones of the foot line up.
What Causes It?
- Genetics. Foot shape runs in families, and some people inherit a structure that's prone to bunions.
- Footwear. Narrow, tight, or pointed shoes can squeeze the toes and make a bunion worse.
- Foot mechanics. Flat feet and certain walking patterns can put extra stress on the big toe joint.
- Repetitive stress. Years of pounding on hard surfaces, on the court, the field, or the job site, add up.
Signs You've Got One
- A visible bump on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe
- Pain, redness, or swelling around the joint
- A big toe that leans toward the second toe
- Calluses where the toes rub together
- Pain that gets worse in tight shoes or after a long day on your feet
What Helps
You don't always need surgery. Early on, these steps can take the pressure off:
- Switch to shoes with a wide, roomy toe box
- Use padding or protective cushions over the bump
- Ice the joint after a long day
- Try shoe inserts or orthotics recommended by your podiatrist
- Take a break from the activities that aggravate it
When To Look For Help
Come in if the pain is keeping you from training, working, or walking comfortably, if the bump keeps getting bigger, or if your big toe is starting to push the other toes out of place. Bunions don't reverse on their own, but a podiatrist can help you stay active, slow the progression, and talk through every option, including surgery if it's the right call for you.
Go East
Whether it's a bunion that's been bugging you for years or a foot problem you just noticed, we've helped patients with every stage of bunion. Don't let a bunion bench you. Schedule with Eastern Podiatry today. Moving health in the right direction.
This article is intended for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.