Bunions
If you run your finger along the inside of your foot from your heel to the top of your big toe, you’ll find a curve at the base of that toe. For one third of Americans, that curve is a large, painful bump called a bunion which results from misalignment of that toe joint. There are several ways to prevent and treat bunion pain from wearing better shoes to orthotics that support healthy alignment.
What Are Bunions & What Do They Look Like?
Medically known as hallux valgus, bunions are foot deformities affecting the joint of the big toe. When bones in the front anatomy of the foot move out of place due to consistent pressure or stress, the big toe pulls toward the smaller toes, forcing the joint to bulge out. This creates a bony bump that may appear red and swollen when irritated, making it painful to walk or stand for a long time.
Hallux valgus deformity can occur in one or both feet and is more common in older adults. Still, some people are born with bunions or develop them in their teen years. Bunionettes are similar, smaller deformities that form on the outside of your little toe joint, also called Tailor’s bunions.
Signs & Symptoms of Bunions
Discomfort from bunions progresses over time, as bunions can take years to develop. Without preventative care, the pain will become worse, and the bunion may grow larger. In more severe cases, you might experience numbness in your big toe or limited movement and a burning sensation when you try to bend it.
Common symptoms of bunions include:
- Seeing a large, angular bump sticking out at the base of the big toe
- Redness and swelling in the affected area
- Pain at the base of the big toe when walking, standing, or wearing shoes
- Corns or calluses between the first and second toe
- Having difficulty wearing normal shoes
- Development of arthritis in the affected area, leading to chronic pain
What Causes a Bunion?
The direct cause of bunions is unclear. However, there are some risk factors such as having arthritis or an inherited foot structure that is more prone to developing them. Bunions usually form in adulthood as we put more stress and pressure on our feet. Women are more likely to develop the deformity when wearing high heels that push the toes into an unnatural position.
Other factors that may contribute include:
- Putting excess stress on the feet
- Foot injuries
- Birth deformities
- Flatfeet or overpronation
- Wearing footwear that is too tight or narrow
Treatment Options for Bunions
If foot or toe pain makes it difficult to walk, run, or enjoy daily activities, consider seeing a healthcare provider or podiatrist for help. Usually, a physical exam is enough to diagnose a bunion. To determine the best mode of treatment, your doctor might have an X-ray done to look for joint damage.
Treatment for bunions only addresses the symptoms. Early care can help keep bunions from becoming worse. Most nonsurgical treatments include icing the area, taking pain medications, or using bunion pads for added cushion. Changing to wide width shoes with orthotics or using insoles with arch support can help tremendously.
If pain and symptoms persist despite nonsurgical methods, surgery can correct the condition. Surgery on bunions involves removing the swollen tissue and realigning the bones. Orthotic footwear and devices are still recommended to prevent reoccurrence.
Using Inserts & Orthotics for Bunions
Looking for a supportive shoe insert for bunions? PowerStep® orthotic insoles encourage better alignment to prevent mild to moderate pronation, which is a large contributing factor to bunions. Recommended by podiatrists, PowerStep’s signature arch shape is clinically proven to relieve and prevent foot pain.
Offering the perfect blend of comfort and support, our insoles help stabilize and align the feet while distributing weight evenly across the foot as you walk to reduce stress on your ankles, feet, and joints.
Consider the following bunion pain relief solutions by PowerStep:
Shoe Insoles & Cushions
Night Splints & Bunion Sleeves
Bunion night splints and adjustable soft splints use gentle pressure to support realignment of the big toe joint and prevent the progression of bunions. Using a bunion sleeve either with or without shoes on is an effortless way to reduce bunion pain, prevent friction inside your shoes, and absorb pressure.
Made with our signature arch shape and stabilizing deep heel cradle, PowerStep ArchWear orthotic sandals for men and women are the best shoes for bunions. They provide the same trusted support as our orthotics in a flip-flop design that reduces pressure, doesn’t constrict the toes, and prevents pronation.
FAQs About Bunions
Treating bunions is a part of practicing good foot health. Have more questions about what causes bunions or how to prevent them? Below are some frequently asked questions about this foot condition:
References:
Bunions - Symptoms and causes. (2017). Mayo Clinic.
Bunions: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. (2020). Cleveland Clinic.
If you are not satisfied with PowerStep's arch supporting insoles, you can make a return to the point of purchase for a refund or exchange within 30 days of purchase.