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A Bump on My Big Toe Joint: What Causes Bunions?

A Bump on My Big Toe Joint: What Causes Bunions?
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Bunions are a common foot problem that can lead to significant pain and discomfort. This painful bump often develops on the side of the big toe joint. Foot problems like bunions can also lead to pain in the ball of your foot or joint pain while walking or standing.

Bunions are often hereditary, but you can take steps to manage the condition. If you're experiencing bunion pain, learn more about the causes and explore treatment options that may help you find relief.

The Anatomy of a Bunion

A bunion is a bone-like bump that develops at the base of your big toe in the big toe joint. This condition, also called hallux valgus, happens when bones in the front of your foot move, allowing the tip of your big toe to pull toward your smaller toes. This movement forces the lower joint in your big toe to stick out, forming a bunion.

Studies have found that bunions are rooted in genetics, and the shape of the bones in your feet is to blame. They can be caused by:

  • Abnormal bone structure
  • Foot type, such as flat feet or low arches
  • Lifestyle choices, including wearing shoes that are too tight

Though you may not be able to prevent bunions, you can take steps to minimize their influence on your daily life and the pain you experience.

When Bunions Bump Up

Bunions don't usually appear overnight. They develop slowly over time, becoming noticeable when the pressure on your big toe joint reaches a tipping point, causing the bony bump to form.

As you get older, the wear and tear on your feet can change the shape of your bones and joints, making you more likely to develop – or notice the appearance of – bunions.

Treatment for Bunions

Once a bunion has formed, it won't just go away. However, you can take steps to manage bunion pain and prevent it from worsening. Bunion treatment often starts with simple, nonsurgical methods, including:

  • Limiting activity, such as standing for long periods, which can exacerbate bunion pain
  • Getting corticosteroid injections that may help with the pain of an inflamed bursa, a fluid-filled sac around the big toe joint
  • Icing the area with an ice pack several times a day to help with pain and swelling
  • Taking medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, to help reduce pain and swelling
  • Using orthotic devices or inserts, as prescribed by a podiatrist, to help alleviate discomfort
  • Applying pads to cover the bunion
  • Wearing shoes with a wide toe box rather than those with high heels or pointed toes, which may put pressure on the toes and aggravate a bunion

If bunion pain becomes severe, bunion surgery might be an option. Bunion surgery, also known as a bunionectomy, is performed by realigning the bones in your foot to correct the deformity. However, surgery is typically only performed when other treatments have failed to provide relief.

If you need help with bunions or other foot pain, make an appointment with one of our physicians specializing in podiatry.



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