Bunions
A bunion can make shoes uncomfortable, change how the big toe sits and cause pain around the side of the foot.
Bunions often develop gradually. Some people notice a visible bump at the base of the big toe, while others first become aware of pressure, rubbing or pain when walking.
You do not need to know how advanced the bunion is before booking. An assessment can help clarify what may be contributing to your symptoms and what can be done to support comfort, footwear and movement.
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a change around the big toe joint.
The medical term is hallux valgus. “Hallux” refers to the big toe. “Valgus” describes the way the big toe moves towards the smaller toes, while the joint at the base of the big toe becomes more prominent.
This can create a visible bump on the side of the foot. The area may become painful, red or irritated, especially in shoes that press across the forefoot.
A bunion is not always painful. For some people, the main issue is shoe fit. For others, bunion pain affects walking, sport or day-to-day comfort.
Common symptoms of bunions
Bunion symptoms can vary depending on the shape of your foot, your footwear and how much pressure is passing through the big toe joint.
You may notice:
- A bump on the side of the big toe joint
- Big toe leaning towards the second toe
- Bunion pain when walking
- Redness or rubbing from shoes
- Pressure across the forefoot
- Stiffness in the big toe joint
- Swelling around the joint
- Corns or hard skin from shoe pressure
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
- Pain that becomes worse in narrow footwear
You do not need every symptom to have a bunion. Other big toe and forefoot problems can also cause pain, so assessment helps clarify what may be happening.
What can contribute to bunions?
Bunions can be influenced by several factors. They are not simply caused by one type of shoe or one movement pattern.
Possible contributing factors include:
- Foot shape and inherited tendency
- Foot posture
- Joint flexibility
- Previous injury
- Changes in foot mechanics
- Inflammatory joint conditions
- Footwear that presses across the forefoot
- Repeated pressure through the big toe joint
- Flat feet or increased pronation in some cases
- Increased load through the forefoot
Shoes may aggravate bunion pain, particularly if they are narrow, pointed or tight across the toes. They are not always the only reason a bunion develops.
The assessment looks at the bunion itself, but also how your foot is loading and what your footwear needs to do for everyday life, work or activity.
Tailor’s bunion
A tailor’s bunion is a similar problem on the outside of the foot, near the little toe.
It is sometimes called a bunionette. Instead of the big toe joint becoming prominent, the bump appears around the fifth metatarsal head, which is the joint area at the base of the little toe.
A tailor’s bunion can cause rubbing, redness, pressure pain and difficulty with shoes. Like a bunion on the big toe side, it may be affected by foot shape, footwear and the way pressure passes through the forefoot.
If your pain is on the outside of the foot rather than around the big toe, Stuart can assess whether a tailor’s bunion or another forefoot problem may be involved.
When should you get a bunion assessed?
It is sensible to arrange an assessment if a bunion is painful, changing or affecting your footwear.
Assessment may be helpful if:
- Bunion pain is affecting walking
- Shoes are rubbing or causing pressure
- The big toe is becoming more angled
- The joint feels stiff or swollen
- You are developing corns, callus or skin irritation
- You are struggling to find comfortable shoes
- Pain is affecting sport, work or daily activity
- You are considering a bunion corrector, splint or orthoses
- You are unsure whether the lump is a bunion
- You have diabetes and foot pain
- You have altered sensation, numbness or tingling
Please seek urgent medical advice if you have severe pain after an injury, sudden swelling or deformity, spreading redness, fever, pus, a deep wound or signs of infection.
How Stuart assesses bunions
Your appointment is designed to understand your symptoms, foot shape, footwear and how the big toe joint is functioning.
Stuart may assess:
- Where your pain is located
- How long the bunion has been present
- Big toe alignment
- Big toe joint movement
- Foot posture
- Pressure across the forefoot
- Walking gait where appropriate
- Footwear and shoe fit
- Corns, callus or skin irritation
- Whether orthoses may be suitable
- Whether referral or imaging may be needed
- What makes symptoms better or worse
A biomechanical assessment may be useful if your symptoms appear linked to foot posture, loading patterns or recurring forefoot pressure. Gait analysis may also be helpful if walking or running seems to be contributing.
Stuart will explain the findings clearly, so you understand what may be driving your bunion pain and which options may be suitable.
Bunion treatment options
Bunion treatment depends on your symptoms, assessment findings, footwear, activity level and goals.
A plan may include:
- Footwear advice
- Shoe fit guidance
- Padding or pressure relief
- Corn or callus care where appropriate
- Advice on activity modification
- Big toe joint mobility guidance
- Strengthening advice where suitable
- Foot orthoses if appropriate
- Referral for imaging or surgical opinion
Conservative treatment cannot always change the shape of a bunion, especially if the joint position is established. It may, however, help reduce pressure, improve comfort and support the way your foot functions.
Orthoses are not needed for everyone. If Stuart thinks they may help support foot function or reduce pressure around the forefoot, he will explain why and talk through the options.
Do bunion correctors work?
They may help some people feel more comfortable in the short term, particularly if they reduce rubbing or separate the toes gently. They are unlikely to permanently reverse an established bunion.
The right option depends on your foot, symptoms and footwear. A podiatry assessment can help you understand whether padding, footwear changes, orthoses or other forms of pressure relief may be more useful.
Footwear and bunion pain
Footwear can make a noticeable difference to bunion symptoms.
Shoes that are narrow across the toes can press directly on the bunion and increase rubbing. Pointed shoes or high heels are likely to increase pressure through the forefoot.
More suitable footwear often has:
- A wider toe box
- Soft or flexible uppers
- Enough depth around the forefoot
- A comfortable fastening
- Cushioning that suits your activity
You do not necessarily need specialist shoes. Often, small changes to fit, shape or material can make footwear more comfortable.
Bunions and walking
A painful bunion can change the way you walk.
You may avoid pushing through the big toe, place more pressure on the outside of the foot or shorten your stride without realising. Over time, this can affect comfort elsewhere in the foot or lower limb.
Your assessment may look at how the big toe joint moves, how pressure passes through the forefoot and whether footwear or orthoses could help support more comfortable walking.
Stuart’s aim is to reduce avoidable irritation and help you understand what your foot needs day to day.
Podiatry clinics in London and Surrey
Evolution Podiatry provides specialist foot, ankle and lower-limb care across London and Surrey. Choose the clinic that is most convenient for you, then book an appointment or speak to the clinic if you are unsure which location or appointment type is most suitable.
Notting Hill, W10
Specialist Podiatry care in Notting Hill for patients across West London.Wimbledon, SW19
Foot and lower-limb assessment in Wimbledon for patients across South West London.Woking, GU21
Podiatry appointments in Woking for patients across Surrey.
Meet Stuart Hodder
Stuart Hodder is a Specialist Podiatrist and the clinical lead at Evolution Podiatry. He works with patients experiencing foot, ankle and lower-limb pain, helping them understand what may be contributing to their symptoms and what the most suitable next step is.
His approach is calm, practical and personal. Patients see Stuart for clear explanations, careful assessment and treatment planning that is shaped around their symptoms, movement, footwear, activity level and goals.
Stuart has a particular interest in lower-limb function, biomechanics, gait analysis, sports and exercise injuries, child development and alignment concerns. This means he often looks beyond the painful area itself. His work involves assessing concerns such as heel pain, Achilles pain, shin splints, flat feet, sports injuries, gait problems, children’s foot concerns and orthotic needs.
- Specialist Podiatrist and a member of the Royal College of Podiatrists
- HCPC registered (CH14453)
- Experienced in NHS and private practice
- Strong interest in biomechanics and gait analysis
- Runner and cyclist with personal experience of injury and rehabilitation
- Registered and works with insurance medical providers
Bunion FAQs
- Is hallux valgus the same as a bunion?
Yes. Hallux valgus is the medical term commonly used for a bunion affecting the big toe joint.
- What is a tailor’s bunion?
A tailor’s bunion is a prominent area on the outside of the foot near the little toe. It can cause pressure, rubbing and pain in shoes.
- Do bunion correctors work?
Bunion correctors may help with comfort for some people, but they are unlikely to permanently reverse an established bunion. Stuart can advise whether one may be suitable for your symptoms.
- Can you shrink bunions naturally?
A structural bunion is unlikely to shrink naturally. Conservative care may help reduce pain, pressure and irritation, but it does not usually reverse the shape of the joint.
- Will I need orthoses?
Not everyone with bunions needs orthoses. They may be discussed if your assessment suggests they could help support foot function or reduce pressure around the forefoot.
- When should I seek urgent help for bunion pain?
Seek urgent medical help if you have severe pain after an injury, sudden swelling or deformity, spreading redness, fever, pus, a deep wound or signs of infection.
- What is a bunion?
A bunion is a change around the big toe joint where the joint becomes more prominent and the big toe may angle towards the smaller toes. The medical term is hallux valgus.
- Are bunions always painful?
No. Some bunions cause little or no pain. Others can become sore due to pressure, rubbing, joint stiffness or changes in how the foot loads.
- What causes bunions?
Bunions may be linked to foot shape, inherited tendency, joint flexibility, foot posture, footwear, pressure through the forefoot or inflammatory joint conditions. Several factors can be involved.
Insights
Helpful, plain English articles about foot pain, sports injuries, gait, children’s foot health and treatment options.
How your footwear can affect foot and lower-limb pain
Why does my foot hurt when I walk?
When should you see a Podiatrist for foot pain?
Book a bunion assessment
If a bunion is making shoes uncomfortable or affecting how you walk, an assessment can help identify what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Book an assessment with Stuart to understand what may be driving your bunion pain and what the most suitable next steps may be.