A bony bump forming near the base of the big toe is more than just a visual concern, it often signals the early stages of a bunion. This structural shift occurs when the big toe angles inward, crowding neighboring toes and putting stress on the joint. Over time, this misalignment may lead to discomfort, swelling, or difficulty finding shoes that fit properly. Bunions can be influenced by inherited foot shape, poor footwear choices, or conditions like arthritis. Some people live with mild symptoms, while others experience increasing pain that interferes with walking or daily activity. Padding, shoe modifications, and targeted support can help manage discomfort, but progression may require more involved care. If you have noticed a growing bump near your big toe or changes in your foot shape, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Bunions progressively worsen over time and may cause walking in your shoes to become difficult. To learn more about bunions, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Are Bunions?
A bunion is a bony bump that protrudes from the base of the big toe. Bunions are caused due to a misalignment of the first metatarsal. The characteristic bump of a bunion forms when the metatarsal shifts outwards from its proper position. Bunions develop slowly over time and progressively worsen without treatment. The skin over the bunion may develop calluses due to the friction from shoes. Eventually, a bunion can make walking uncomfortable or even painful. Bunions are one of the most common foot deformities and are especially common in women and older adults.
Symptoms
A bunion appears as a bulging bump on the outside of the base of the big toe.
The bunion may also:
- Be swollen, red, or sore
- Develop corns or calluses over it
- Cause pain
- Limit the big toe’s range of motion
Treatment
There are several different treatments available for bunions. Conservative treatment options include wearing shoes with a wider toe box, cushioning the bunion with a specialized pad, wearing shoe inserts, icing the bunion if it becomes inflamed, and taking medications to relieve pain. In more severe cases, more invasive procedures may be done. This may involve removing the swollen tissue around the bunion, straightening the big toe, realigning the bones at the front of the foot, or a combination of these procedures.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in North York and Mississauga, ON .
