Bunions

What is a bunion?

A bunion (also called hallux valgus) is a bony bump that forms on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe. Over time, pressure on the joint causes the big toe to lean toward the second toe, leading to pain, swelling and redness. This common condition can make finding comfortable shoes difficult and may interfere with everyday activities such as walking or exercising.

At Novant Health, we understand how bunion discomfort can affect your mobility and quality of life. Our specialists take the time to accurately diagnose the cause and severity of your bunion and work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals

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Comparison of normal foot anatomy and a foot with a bunion (hallux valgus).

Foot and toe anatomy

The big toe joint — called the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint — connects the toe bone to the first metatarsal bone of the foot. This joint plays an important role in balance, stability and movement. When alignment between these bones shifts, the joint can become unstable and a bunion may begin to form.

As the deformity progresses, the joint may become stiff or arthritic, and the bump along the side of the foot may grow larger. In some cases, smaller bunions (called bunionettes) can also develop on the outside of the foot near the little toe.

Overview

Symptoms

Symptoms often worsen over time as the bunion enlarges or becomes more inflamed. You may notice:

A visible bump or swelling at the base of the big toe
Redness, tenderness or stiffness around the joint
Pain when walking or wearing tight shoes
Shifting of the big toe toward the other toes
Corns or calluses between the toes due to friction

Causes

Bunions often develop gradually due to a combination of inherited and lifestyle factors. Contributing causes may include:

Genetics, such as an inherited foot shape or joint flexibility
Improper footwear, especially narrow shoes or high heels that crowd the toes
Flat feet or abnormal foot structure that affects weight distribution
Arthritis or joint inflammation that alters joint stability
Previous injury affecting the bones or ligaments of the foot

Although bunions are more common in women, anyone can develop them — particularly when repetitive pressure or imbalance affects the big toe joint.

Diagnosis

Your Novant Health foot and ankle specialist will carefully evaluate the alignment and flexibility of your toe joint. Diagnosis typically includes:

A physical exam to assess swelling, movement and tenderness
X-rays to measure the degree of misalignment and identify joint changes
A discussion of your symptoms, activity level and footwear history

This thorough evaluation helps your care team understand how the bunion is affecting your foot and determine the most appropriate next steps.

Why treatment matters

Prompt, expert bunion care can help reduce pain, slow progression of the deformity and support healthier alignment of the foot. Early evaluation allows your care team to recommend approaches that improve comfort, protect the joint and help you stay active.

Without appropriate care, bunions may continue to worsen and cause pain even when walking barefoot or wearing wide shoes — something many people find frustrating and limiting. Over time, the added stress on nearby joints can make walking less comfortable, interfere with daily activities and affect confidence and activity level.

Take the next step

Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.