Bunions: Causes, Prevention & Treatment Options

What Are Bunions?

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe when the joint shifts out of alignment. This can cause the big toe to angle inward toward the second toe, called hallux valgus, which creates discomfort, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes. The big toe joint is critical for bearing and distributing weight during activities, making its proper alignment essential for mobility and balance.

Bunions are a progressive condition, meaning they tend to worsen over time without treatment. While some people experience only mild symptoms, others may struggle with constant pain that interferes with walking, standing, and daily activities.

At Step It Up Orthotics, we help patients manage bunion pain and improve mobility through personalized care, custom orthotics, and education.

What Causes Bunions?

The development of bunions typically involves a combination of genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and biomechanical issues. Heredity plays a significant role in bunion development, with over 70% of individuals having a familial history.

• Genetics: Inherited foot structures, such as flat feet or overly flexible joints, increase the risk.

• Improper Footwear: Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes place excessive pressure on the big toe joint.

• Faulty Biomechanics: The way you walk and distribute weight can overload your big toe joint, which can lead to bunions or hallux valgus.

• Medical Conditions: Arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis, can damage joints and accelerate bunion formation.

• Injury: Previous trauma to the foot or toe joint can alter its function and stability.

• Gender Differences: Bunions are more common in women than men, likely due to footwear choices and foot anatomy.

Symptoms of Bunions

Common signs and symptoms of bunions include:

• A visible bump at the base of the big toe.

• Redness, swelling, or tenderness around the joint.

• Pain when wearing tight or narrow shoes.

• Corns or calluses where the toes rub together.

• Limited movement of the big toe.

• Worsening pain after standing or walking for long periods.

Can Bunions Be Prevented?

If you’re at risk or have early signs, prevention strategies can reduce the chance of bunion progression, though there is no guarantee. Certain occupations that require prolonged standing or walking can also increase the risk of developing bunions, making prevention strategies even more critical for these individuals.

• Wear proper footwear with wide toe boxes. Depending on your feet, you might need a more stable shoe with a heel counter, torsional stability (doesn’t twist like a towel in the middle) and a forefoot rocker.

• Use custom orthotics to correct faulty biomechanics and redistribute pressure.

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your feet.

• Perform foot strengthening exercises to improve alignment and mobility.

• Monitor your feet and address bunion symptoms early before they worsen.

Bunion Treatment Options

Treatment depends on severity, symptoms, and lifestyle needs.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Custom Orthotics: Correct biomechanical issues and offload pressure from the 1st MTP joint, where bunions can form.

• Supportive Footwear: Choose shoes that are supportive and allow natural toe splay. Tight toebox shoes are one of the biggest factors in the formation of bunions.

• Toe Spacers & Splints: Gently realign the toes and reduce crowding. This can be great for symptom management as the adjustment in the alignment of the big toe can relieve some painful symptoms. This isn’t a permanent realignment though, which is why strengthening exercises are really important.

• Exercises: Strengthening your big toes, feet, ankles, knees and hips can make a big difference in the prevention and management of bunions. Having weak stabilizing muscles or hypermobility can increase load in the 1st MTP joints, which can cause bunions. Strengthening these muscles can allow for better control to reduce the strain on the 1st MTP joints.

When Is Bunion Surgery Needed?

If conservative care doesn’t help and pain is severe, bunion surgery may be considered. A bunionectomy realigns bones, ligaments, and tendons, but recovery can take weeks to months. Surgery is typically a last resort, and its primary goal is to relieve pain rather than for cosmetic purposes.

How Step It Up Orthotics Can Help

At Step It Up Orthotics, we provide comprehensive, personalized care for bunion prevention and management as well as for other conditions.

Our services include:

• Biomechanical Assessments: We analyze how you walk and move to uncover the root cause of your bunion formation. This includes functional testing, a footwear review and a personalized treatment plan on what you can do for your specific case.

• Custom Orthotics: Designed to fit your feet precisely, reducing pressure on the 1st MTP joint and improving alignment. This can be helpful for symptom management and slowing down bunion progression.

• Footwear Guidance: Recommendations for supportive shoes that work with your lifestyle. Not all shoes are the same and your footwear needs are individual.

• Compression Socks: Tired, painful and aching feet can feel better with compression socks because they help improve circulation.

• Education & Support: Tools and strategies to keep your feet comfortable and active long-term. Your strength and mobility are our top priorities and our goal is to support you in moving and feeling your best.

Living Comfortably With Bunions

While bunions may not be reversible without surgery, the right care can significantly reduce pain and prevent progression. Custom orthotics, supportive footwear, and proactive foot care make it possible to stay active and comfortable.

At Step It Up Orthotics, we believe in treating the individual—not just the diagnosis. Our pedorthist will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan so you can move better and feel better.

Final Thoughts

Bunions are common, but they don’t have to limit your quality of life. With early prevention, effective non-surgical treatments, and the right professional support, you can keep your feet healthy and comfortable.

If you’re dealing with bunion pain, book a biomechanical assessment at Step It Up Orthotics today. Together, we’ll create a plan that helps you stay mobile, supported, and ready for life’s next steps.