Bunion Basics: Understanding That Bump on Your Foot

It’s a typical day…until you put on your shoes. That’s when you notice a bony bump forming at the base of your big toe. What is it? How did it get there? And why does it seem to be “drifting” towards your second toe?

If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with a bunion, medically known as Hallux Valgus. To keep you informed on why bunions form and what to watch for, Kentlands Foot & Ankle Center is breaking down the basics below.

What’s a Bunion?

A bunion isn’t just an overgrowth of bone. It represents a change in the actual bony framework of the front part of your foot.

• The long bone connected to the big toe (the first metatarsal) starts to drift outward, and the big toe itself begins to point inward towards the smaller toes.
• This misalignment creates the characteristic bump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe.

Bunions are often progressive, meaning they tend to get worse over time if not managed appropriately.

Why Do Bunions Form?

While ill-fitting footwear gets a lot of blame, the primary cause of bunions is usually:

• Heredity: The biggest factor! Certain inherited foot types and faulty foot mechanics (like excessive pronation or flat feet) make you more susceptible to developing bunions. If your parents or grandparents had bunions, you might be more likely to develop them, too.
• Foot Structure & Biomechanics: The way your foot functions when you walk can place abnormal stress on the big toe joint, contributing to the deformity over time.
• Footwear (The Aggravator): While usually not the root cause, shoes that are tight, narrow, or have high heels can definitely aggravate an existing bunion and potentially accelerate its progression. They force the toes into an unnatural position.

Less common causes can include foot injuries or certain types of arthritis.

Spotting the Signs: Bunion Symptom Checklist

How do you know if that bump is truly a bunion? Look for these common signs:

• The Bump: A bony prominence on the side of your foot at the base of the big toe.
• Toe Drift: Your big toe angling towards your second toe.
• Pain or Soreness: Discomfort around the big toe joint, often worse when wearing shoes or after activity.
• Redness & Swelling: Inflammation around the bony bump.
• Corns or Calluses: These can develop on the bump itself, between the big and second toes, or even on the ball of the foot due to altered pressure.
• Restricted Motion: Decreased flexibility or stiffness in your big toe joint.
• Difficulty Fitting Shoes: Finding shoes that are comfortable and don’t irritate the affected area.

Diagnosis Matters!

Even if your bunion isn’t causing significant pain yet, early evaluation allows us to confirm the diagnosis, rule out other conditions, and plan the best course of treatment for your unique needs. Affected? Don’t suffer in silence. Schedule your appointment and move toward relief today!

Interested in learning more? We’re always happy to help! Schedule a comprehensive foot examination with Kentlands Foot & Ankle Center podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman. To make your appointment, please call our office at 301-825-9697.