Bunion surgery designed with your lifestyle in mind.

A bunion, or hallux valgus, is more than just a bony bump. It’s a medical deformity that occurs when the big toe joint rotates out of alignment. The big toe begins to “lean” toward the other toes, causing a bump at the base. Bunions can range from mild to moderate to severe, and even small bunions can cause pain and mobility problems. They can make it hard to wear your favorite shoes or participate in work, fitness, and social activities. Bunions are a multidimensional medical problem that gets worse over time, impacting every area of life.

Bunions are primarily a genetic problem, but some things can make them worse. Wearing high heels or shoes that don’t fit correctly can make an existing bunion worse by putting additional pressure on the big toe joint, contributing to inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility as the bunion progresses. Other medical issues can also make bunions worse, especially if they cause abnormal foot mechanics and uneven distribution of weight across the joints of the foot.

A bony bump at the base of the big toe is the first and most common sign of a bunion. The big toe may also lean toward the other toes. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, redness, and joint stiffness in the joint, and certain footwear and activities can make these symptoms worse. As the bunion grows more severe, the skin can become irritated, leading to blisters or calluses.

Your doctor will typically begin with a visual and/or physical examination, to evaluate the shape of your foot and the alignment of your big toe. They’ll ask about symptoms like pain and difficulty wearing shoes, and ask you to describe the impact your symptoms are having on your life. They may also take x-rays to confirm the diagnosis, and assess your bunion’s severity by evaluating the angle of the big toe misalignment. They may also rule out or address other conditions, like osteoarthritis.

Because bunions are a genetic condition, they can’t be prevented – but you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing them, or slow their progression if you do. Wearing properly fitted, comfortable shoes with a wide toe box helps reduce pressure. Your doctor may recommend specific exercises that can stretch and strengthen the muscles around your toes. Avoiding high heels or narrow shoes may also help prevent bunions from forming or worsening, and maintaining a healthy weight range for your body can reduce additional stress on your feet.

Your doctor may recommend bunion surgery if non-surgical treatments fail to relieve pain and other symptoms, or if the bunion significantly interferes with your daily activities. They may also suggest surgery if your bunion deformity gets worse over time, you’re having difficulty walking, your toes are severely misaligned, or you have other related symptoms that don’t improve with non-surgical measures.