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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffThe signs and symptoms of a bunion include:
- A bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe
- Swelling, redness or soreness around your big toe joint
- Thickening of the skin at the base of your big toe
- Corns or calluses — these develop where the first and second toes overlap
- Persistent or intermittent pain
- Restricted movement of your big toe
Pain from a bunion can range from mild to severe, often making it difficult to walk in normal shoes. The skin and deeper tissue around the bunion also may become swollen or inflamed.
Your other toes can be affected by a bunion as a result of pressure from your big toe pushing inward toward them. Your toenails may begin to grow into the sides of your nail bed. Your smaller toes also can become bent or claw-like (hammertoes).
When to see a doctor
Although bunions often require no medical treatment, see your doctor or a doctor who specializes in treating foot disorders (podiatrist) if you have:
- Persistent big toe or foot pain
- A visible bump on your big toe joint
- Decreased movement of your big toe or foot
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit properly
- Bunions. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00155. Accessed Nov. 4, 2008.
- Bunions. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. http://www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/bunions.htm. Accessed Nov. 4, 2008.
- Patient education: Bunion. MD Consult. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/patient/body/109354214-4/768571667/10061/7856.html. Accessed Nov. 5, 2008.
- Wexler D, et al. Bunion and bunionette. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/109354214-4/768571670/1678/79.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50078-X--cesec3_1251. Accessed Nov. 5, 2008.
- Bunions. American Podiatric Medical Association. http://www.apma.org/s_apma/doc.asp?CID=371&DID=9388. Accessed Nov. 6, 2008.
