Bunions: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Swelling Or A Bump On The Side Of Your Foot?

A bunion is one of the most common foot conditions affecting both adults and children.

Many people think a bunion is simply a bump that develops on the side of the foot. In reality, a bunion is a progressive change in the alignment of the big toe joint.

As the condition develops, the big toe gradually moves towards the smaller toes whilst the joint at the base of the toe becomes increasingly prominent.

Some bunions remain relatively stable and painless for many years. Others may become increasingly painful and begin affecting footwear choices, activity levels and quality of life.

At Callen Olive, we regularly assess and manage bunions, helping people understand their condition, maintain mobility and explore the most appropriate treatment options for their lifestyle and goals.

You're Not Alone

Bunions are extremely common.

We regularly see people who:

• Are struggling to find comfortable footwear

• Have noticed their bunion becoming larger

• Feel self-conscious about the appearance of their feet

• Experience pain during walking or exercise

• Are worried they will eventually need surgery

• Simply want advice about what may happen in the future

Many people put up with bunions for years before seeking advice because they assume nothing can be done.

You are not alone.

Our experienced clinicians understand the concerns bunions can cause and are here to help you understand your options and move with comfort and confidence.

What Is A Bunion?

The medical term for a bunion is Hallux Valgus.

A bunion develops when the big toe gradually drifts towards the second toe, creating a prominence on the inside of the foot.

Over time, this may lead to:

• Pain

• Inflammation

• Joint stiffness

• Difficulty finding comfortable footwear

• Changes in walking patterns

• Pressure on neighbouring toes

• Corns and callus

• Reduced comfort during activity

Importantly, the severity of symptoms does not always correlate with the size of the bunion.

Some people have large bunions with very little pain, whilst others experience significant discomfort from relatively small deformities.

How Can Bunions Affect Everyday Life?

Bunions are about far more than appearance.

Many people find themselves:

• Avoiding certain shoes

• Walking shorter distances

• Reducing exercise

• Avoiding holidays and days out

• Becoming less active

• Feeling self-conscious about their feet

• Losing confidence in their mobility

For some people, the impact on comfort and quality of life can be significant.

What Causes Bunions?

There is rarely one single cause.

Several factors may contribute.

Genetics

Family history is one of the strongest risk factors.

Many people inherit foot structures that increase the likelihood of developing bunions.

Foot Structure & Biomechanics

The way your foot functions during walking may influence loading through the big toe joint.

Joint Laxity

More flexible joints may increase the likelihood of progression.

Arthritis

Arthritic changes may contribute in some individuals.

Footwear

This is one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding bunions.

Footwear does not directly cause bunions.

However, certain styles may aggravate symptoms and make an existing bunion more noticeable or uncomfortable.

Often, several factors are involved rather than one single cause.

Do Bunions Always Get Worse?

This is one of the most common questions we are asked.

The honest answer is that bunions often become more noticeable over time, but nobody can accurately predict:

• How quickly they will progress

• Whether they will become painful

• How large they will become

• Whether they will significantly affect mobility

Some people develop a bunion in their twenties and experience very little change for decades.

Others notice more rapid progression over a relatively short period.

Every foot is different.

At Callen Olive, our focus is not simply on the appearance of the bunion. We assess how your feet function, whether symptoms are present and what impact the condition is having on your lifestyle and quality of life.

Bunions In Children & Teenagers

Many people are surprised to learn that bunions can develop in children and teenagers.

Juvenile bunions are relatively common and are usually linked to genetics and inherited foot structure rather than footwear choices.

Parents often worry they have caused the problem or that their child has been wearing the wrong shoes.

In most cases, this is not the cause.

Assessment can help determine:

• The severity of the bunion

• How the foot is functioning

• Whether symptoms are present

• Whether treatment is required

Many children benefit from monitoring, footwear advice and regular review.

Do Toe Separators Correct Bunions?

Toe separators have become increasingly popular on social media and are often marketed as a way to straighten bunions.

Unfortunately, there is currently no evidence that toe separators can reverse or permanently correct a bunion deformity.

Some people find they provide temporary comfort or improve toe positioning for short periods.

However, they do not change the underlying bone alignment responsible for the bunion.

At Callen Olive, we believe it is important that patients understand what treatments can and cannot realistically achieve.

How We Assess Bunions

Assessment begins by understanding your symptoms and how they are affecting your everyday life.

This may include:

• Clinical examination

• Foot posture assessment

• Biomechanical assessment

• OptoGait gait analysis

• Joint mobility testing

• Footwear assessment

• Activity and lifestyle review

Where appropriate, diagnostic imaging may also be recommended.

By understanding how your feet function, we can create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Why Early Assessment Matters

Many people assume they should only seek help when a bunion becomes severe.

In reality, professional assessment can be valuable much earlier.

You may benefit from advice if:

• The bunion is becoming painful

• Footwear is becoming difficult to fit comfortably

• Walking or exercise is becoming uncomfortable

• You have noticed the bunion increasing in size

• The second toe is beginning to change position

• You are concerned about progression

• Your child has developed a bunion

Early assessment and treatment can often help manage symptoms, improve comfort and support long-term foot health.

Your Personalised Treatment Plan

Treatment depends on symptoms, activity levels and the impact the condition is having on your life.

Footwear Advice

Choosing appropriate footwear can often significantly improve comfort and reduce irritation around the joint.

Custom Foot Orthotics

Custom Foot Orthotics may help optimise foot function and reduce excessive loading through the big toe joint.

Activity Modification

Temporary changes to activity may help manage symptoms during flare-ups whilst maintaining mobility.

Corn & Callus Management

Addressing areas of increased pressure can improve comfort and reduce irritation.

Steroid Injections

For selected patients, corticosteroid injections may help reduce inflammation and pain around the joint.

Surgical Referral

Where pain, deformity or footwear limitations become significant, surgical correction may be considered.

If appropriate, we can discuss referral to a trusted foot and ankle surgeon.

Our goal is not simply to improve the appearance of the bunion.

Our goal is to help you remain comfortable, active and confident.

Does Everyone With A Bunion Need Surgery?

No.

Many people live with bunions for years without requiring surgery.

The decision to consider surgery is rarely based on appearance alone.

Instead, we consider:

• Pain levels

• Mobility

• Footwear limitations

• Activity restrictions

• Impact on quality of life

Many people successfully manage their symptoms through conservative treatment and ongoing monitoring.

Why Choose Callen Olive?

We Care.

We understand that bunions are about much more than appearance.

Many people come to us worried about progression, surgery or losing confidence in their mobility.

Our experienced clinicians provide expert assessment, honest advice and personalised treatment recommendations designed around your lifestyle and goals.

Because caring for your feet isn't simply about treating a bunion.

It's about helping you move with comfort, confidence and ease.

Healthy Feet. Healthy Body. Healthy Mind.

Treatment Fees

No two patients are the same.

That's why every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle and goals. Following your assessment, your clinician will explain the treatment options available and help you choose the most appropriate pathway to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our focus is always on helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your comfort, mobility and long-term wellbeing.

New Patient Biomechanics Assessment: £180
New Patient Biomechanics Assessment with Principal Podiatrist: £225

Our team will support you throughout every stage of your recovery to ensure you feel informed, reassured and cared for.

If you are unsure which appointment is most suitable, our Patient Care Team will be happy to help.

Call us on +44 333 305 8347.

Related Conditions

• Big Toe Arthritis (Hallux Rigidus)

• Metatarsalgia

• Morton's Neuroma

• Plantar Plate Injury

• Arthritis

Related Treatments

• Biomechanical Assessment

• OptoGait Gait Analysis

• Custom Foot Orthotics

• Steroid Injections

• Corn & Callus Care

Learn More

• Active Ageing & Foot Health

• Walking For Wellbeing

• Foot Health For Golfers

• Family Foot Health

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a progressive change in the alignment of the big toe joint that causes the big toe to drift towards the smaller toes.

Can bunions be prevented?

Because genetics plays such an important role, bunions cannot always be prevented. However, early assessment may help improve comfort and manage symptoms.

Do bunions always become painful?

No. Some people have bunions for many years with little or no discomfort.

Do toe separators get rid of bunions?

No. They may provide temporary comfort but cannot permanently correct the underlying bone alignment.

Do all bunions need surgery?

No. Many people successfully manage bunions without surgery.

Can children get bunions?

Yes. Bunions can develop in children and teenagers and are often linked to genetics and inherited foot structure.

Concerned About A Bunion?

Whether you're experiencing pain, noticing changes in your foot shape or simply want advice about progression, our experienced team is here to help.

Book your assessment today and take the first step towards moving with comfort, confidence and ease.