Bunion Treatment

Yes. Bunion deformities in children are known as juvenile bunions. You should have your child’s feet and gait checked if there is a family history of bunions, if they are in pain or if you see their big toe out of alignment. The earlier bunions are treated the lower the likelihood that surgery is required.

Orthotics work by slowing down the progression of a bunion deformity and gait alignment. One of the main causes of bunions is constraint-inducing footwear such as shoes with a slanted foot bed and a narrow toe box, which can cause subluxation of the joint, leading to foot bunions. This is usually by far the most popular and best conservative treatment option for bunions.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe where it meets the foot. The big toe may start to angle toward the second toe, and you may notice a visible lump, redness, swelling or rubbing in shoes. If you are unsure, a podiatry assessment can confirm whether you have a bunion and how advanced it is.

Bunions usually develop due to a combination of factors such as inherited foot shape, flat feet, joint hypermobility, arthritis and long term use of tight or narrow shoes. Over time, these factors increase pressure on the big toe joint which can lead to the joint drifting out of alignment.

Bunions are not just cosmetic. They can cause pain, difficulty fitting into shoes, corns and callus, changes to walking pattern and increased risk of other foot problems. Treating symptoms early can help maintain comfort and function and slow progression of the deformity.

Yes. Many people get good relief with conservative treatment such as footwear changes, padding, toe spacers, exercises, splints and custom orthotics to reduce pressure on the joint. These options do not remove the bunion but can improve comfort and slow further change.

Surgery is usually considered when bunion pain is severe, limits daily activities or persists despite good conservative care. It may also be recommended when the deformity is very pronounced or causes other toes to become painful or unstable. Your podiatrist can advise when a referral to a foot and ankle surgeon is appropriate.

A podiatrist can assess your foot posture, footwear and walking pattern, then recommend a tailored plan. This may include advice on shoes, padding and splints, strengthening and stretching exercises, custom orthotics and strategies to reduce pressure on the big toe joint during work and sport.

Orthotics cannot reverse a bunion but they can help reduce pain and slow progression. By improving alignment and redistributing pressure away from the big toe joint, orthotics often make standing and walking more comfortable and can support other treatments.

Shoes with a wide toe box, soft upper, low heel and good arch support are usually best for bunions. Avoid tight, pointed or high heeled shoes that squeeze the front of the foot. Your podiatrist can suggest brands and styles that work well with your foot shape and any orthotics you use.

Bunion symptoms can return if the underlying causes are not addressed, for example ongoing use of narrow shoes or uncorrected foot mechanics. After surgery, good footwear and appropriate support are important to reduce the chance of recurrence.

Most bunions occur at the big toe joint, but a similar problem can appear on the outside of the foot at the little toe. This is sometimes called a tailor bunion or bunionette. Podiatrists can assess and treat both types of bunion to help reduce pain and improve shoe comfort.