What is a Bunion?
Bunion refers to a prominence of bone on the inside margin of the forefoot. It involves a displacement of the 1st metatarsal bone towards the midline of the body, coupled with a displacement of the great toe away from the bodyline of the body.
There are different stages of the deformity depending on the level of severity. Arthritis can also develop, producing pain within the joint.
- Women are more prone to bunions than men.
- Wearing tight, narrow or high-heeled shoes can greatly accelerate the formation of a bunion. Genetics also plays a factor in the incidence of bunions.
- Poor foot function, in particular when the feet are ‘rolling’ inwards (flat feet) is a major contributor to the formation of bunions.
- Middle-aged to older people are more likely to suffer from bunions, although bunions can also affect children and young people.
Bunion Symptoms
Bunion symptoms typically include inflammation and pain around the big toe, accompanied by redness and discomfort when wearing shoes. Calluses and/or corns may develop on the outside of the big toe, between the big toe and the second toe, or under the ball of the foot. In some cases, over-lapping toes may also occur as the condition progresses.
WHAT CAUSES BUNIONS
Bunions can develop due to a variety of factors, with poor foot function (biomechanics) being a primary cause. A family history of bunions can increase your likelihood of developing the condition, as can wearing poor or tight footwear that crowds the toes. Arthritic conditions may also contribute to bunion formation, along with trauma or previous surgery around the big toe area.
Why it's important to treat your bunions
Bunions are a progressive structural deformity—the joint at the base of the big toe slowly shifts out of alignment. Without treatment, that misalignment keeps increasing, which leads to several predictable problems.
- Worsening pain and inflammation: As the bunion grows, pressure on the joint increases. This often leads to: chronic pain when walking, redness and swelling, difficulty fitting into normal shoes.
- Secondary foot deformities: The big toe pushes into the second toe, which can cause: hammer toes, corns and calluses, Metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot). These changes make walking more painful and can permanently alter foot mechanics.
- Joint degeneration and arthritis: Long‑term pressure on the big‑toe joint can damage cartilage, leading to stiffness and arthritis that may not be reversible.
- Changes in gait that affect your whole body: When your foot hurts, you naturally change how you walk. Over time this can strain your ankles, knees, hips & lower back. These “up‑the‑chain” issues are surprisingly common in people with untreated bunions.
- Reduced mobility and quality of life: People often become less active because walking becomes uncomfortable. That can lead to weight gain, loss of fitness, reduced participation in daily activities.
Galleria Podiatry Treatments & Services for Bunions
Treatment varies depending on the severity of pain and deformity. Treatment may include.
- Padding to protect the bony prominence from shoe irritation.
- Wearing correctly fitting footwear.
- Callus and corn management through conservative podiatric treatment.
- Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone injections to ease pain and inflammation.
- Orthotics (custom-made shoe inserts): Correction of poor foot & lower limb biomechanics will re-align to the foot and assist in stabilising the joint. This treatment can be very effective in halting or slowing bunion development.
- Surgical Intervention: Conservative treatments have been tried without enough relief. The bunion is progressing and causing secondary problems (e.g., hammertoes, joint arthritis).
Ready to fix your Bunion Pain?
Getting through the day can be a nightmare when your feet are sore! At, Galleria Podiatry, we can provide bunion treatment to patients near Morley and Bayswater. Book your appointment with Galleria Podiatry today!
Your Bunion Questions Answered
What is a bunion and how does it form?
A bunion is a bony bump that develops on the joint at the base of the big toe due to some of the bones in the front part of the foot moving out of place. It involves a displacement of the first metatarsal bone towards the midline of the body, coupled with a displacement of the great toe away from the bodyline of the body. There are different stages of the deformity depending on the level of severity, and arthritis can also develop, producing pain within the joint.
Who is most at risk of developing bunions?
Women are more prone to bunions than men. Middle-aged to older people are more likely to suffer from bunions, although bunions can also affect children and young people. Wearing tight, narrow or high-heeled shoes can greatly accelerate the formation of a bunion. Additionally, those with a family history of bunions or poor foot biomechanics are at increased risk.
What are the main symptoms of bunions?
Bunion symptoms typically include inflammation and pain around the big toe, accompanied by redness and discomfort when wearing shoes. Calluses and/or corns may develop on the outside of the big toe, between the big toe and the second toe, or under the ball of the foot. In some cases, over-lapping toes may also occur as the condition progresses.
Why is it important to treat bunions early?
If left untreated, bunions and other bone conditions often become more serious. Knee, hip or lower back issues can often follow, making treatment longer and much more expensive. Sometimes, the effects are even irreversible. Each of your feet has 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments, so early intervention is crucial to prevent complications and maintain overall foot health.
What treatment options are available for bunions at Galleria Podiatry?
Treatment varies depending on the severity of pain and deformity. Options include padding to protect the bony prominence from shoe irritation, wearing correctly fitting footwear, callus and corn management through conservative podiatric treatment, medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone injections to ease pain and inflammation, and correction of poor foot biomechanics through orthotics (custom-made shoe inserts). These re-align the foot and assist in stabilising the joint, which can be very effective in halting or slowing bunion development. Surgery may be considered in severe cases.
