A bunion is a bony bump, usually at the base of the big toe, caused when the big toe moves towards the second toe and has to go over or under it. It’s not only painful but, as a bunion changes the shape of your foot, it can be hard to find comfortable shoes.
Correctly-fitting shoes can help bunions from getting worse, while cushioning products can ease the pain. If you suspect a bunion forming, consult your GP or podiatrist for advice.
A bunion is the name given to a round, hard bump on the outer side of the big toe joint. A bunion forms when the bones of the joint at the base of the big toe move, causing it to start pointing towards the second toe. This forces the joint outwards and the resulting pressure between the bone and the shoe causes the tissue to swell. A corn/callus can then form.
Although not caused by footwear, bunions change the shape of your foot making it harder to find shoes that fit properly. Badly-fitting shoes then make the condition even more painful. The condition can also lead to corns, blisters and hammer toe. Bunions can be caused by the way you walk and there's a strong hereditary link to their occurrence.