Is It a Bunion? Understanding the Signs and Symptoms

A bunion may look like a bump at the base of your big toe, but it’s more than that. Bunions are an abnormality of the metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs) caused by genetics or other factors. About 19% of women and men worldwide have at least one bunion. 

Are you among them? Is that bump on your big toe a bunion? Does it matter? It certainly does!

At North Park Podiatry, our expert podiatrists diagnose and treat bunions as well as other foot abnormalities and problems. The first step is an accurate diagnosis at our San Diego, California, office, followed by a customized treatment plan.

So, how do you know if that bump is a bunion that could benefit from a podiatrist’s attention? The following are a few signs:

A big bump at the base of your big toe

A bunion is usually located at the MSPJ, or the base of your big toe. However, you might also have what’s called a bunionette — a little bump on the bottom of your pinky toe. In both cases, those bumps are probably a bunion.

Bumps on other toes or on other portions of your foot aren’t bunions. They may be corns, calluses, or some other kind of growth. Corns and calluses usually disappear on their own or can be treated topically to soften the skin and remove them.

The bump doesn’t go away or gets worse

Unlike corns and calluses, bunions don’t resolve on their own. In fact, they may get bigger, more swollen, and even become painful. 

When the base of your MSJ sticks out, the bunion rubs against your shoe. This friction causes irritation and inflammation that may make your bunion swell, redden, and feel tender. The toe might also stiffen, which can impair your mobility.

Over time, the joint deformity could become more pronounced. You may find that your unstable big toe starts to press against your other toes, causing corns and calluses between them. 

In some instances, your big toe may overlap your other toes, which can make walking difficult and painful.

Bunions run in your family

Although some people think that wearing tight shoes and high heels cause bunions, that doesn’t seem to be the case. However, ill-fitting, unhealthy footwear can certainly worsen your bunions.

Most researchers agree that the majority of bunions are inherited. So, if you heard your older relatives complaining about bunions when you were a kid, that big bump on your toe might be a bunion.

You have arthritis or a foot injury

Even if bunions don’t run in your family, you may develop one if you’ve had a foot injury. Foot arthritis can also create swelling and dislocation in your MSJ. 

You’re more likely to have an arthritis-driven bunion if you have a type of arthritis caused by an overactive immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

When to seek help for a bunion

Bunions aren’t pretty, but in most cases, they’re pretty harmless.

However, if your bunions start to give you trouble, consult us as soon as you can. Bunions can’t resolve on their own, but we can help prevent them from worsening and make your feet more comfortable, too.

We may suggest simple changes, such as switching out your footwear or using custom orthotics. Self-care steps, such as soaking and moisturizing your feet, may also keep you more comfortable. 

If your bunions cause gait difficulties or if they’re crowding your other toes, you might benefit from surgical correction. We offer minimally invasive Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction, which realigns your MSJ.

After we straighten your joint, we fix it in place with patented titanium plates. You can start walking again (with a protective boot) after a recovery of about two weeks. 

After 6-8 weeks, you should be able to transition to roomy, supportive footwear, such as running shoes. Within 4-6 months, you can return to wearing regular shoes (but not high heels) and engage in your normal activities, including running and going to the gym.

Do you want to straighten out your MSJ and get back to a comfortable gait? Call us or use our online appointment form today for your bunion consultation and treatment.