Bunions Repe kōiwi ā-waewae

When you have a bunion, the bump at the side of your foot becomes more prominent. This is because the bone bulges out the side of your foot rather than sitting straight forward.

Bunions are usually caused by:

• genetics
• wearing tight, narrow or high-heeled shoes
• doing activities like ballet, which put more pressure on the joint
• foot injuries
• flat feet or inward-rolling feet
• arthritis.

Common symptoms of bunions include:

• a visible bump on the joint of your big toe
• your big toe leaning toward the second toe, and sometimes overlapping
• swelling, redness or soreness around the bump
• pain or tenderness at the joint, especially when walking or wearing shoes
• calluses or corns on your big toe or second toe
• stiffness or limited movement in the big toe.

If you think you have a bunion, talk to your health provider or podiatrist. They will examine you to decide if you have one.

• Reduce the amount of time you spend standing or walking long distances if this causes discomfort.
• Wear comfortable and supportive shoes that fit snugly around your heel, but are wider around your toes.
• Change the way you lace your shoes. Do not put the laces through the bottom eyelets. Leave them free.
• Use foam or gel bunion pads for extra cushioning.
• Manage any medical conditions, such as diabetes, gout or arthritis, that might make the pain worse.
• Use simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
• Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel on your bunion if you have been on your feet a long time or if the bunion becomes inflamed. The cold can help relieve soreness and swelling.
• Do foot exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles around the big toe.
• Keep your feet clean and dry, especially if you have developed corns or calluses.

How your bunion is treated depends on:

• how bad it is
• what is causing it.

Bunions almost always get larger and more painful with time, but you can help to slow down their progress.

A podiatrist can help you manage any symptoms from your bunion and advise what the best treatment is for you. This may include:

• padding your foot to reduce pressure on the bunion
• exercises to improve the range of motion
• treating any corns and calluses
• wearing appropriate and correctly fitting shoes
• adjusting your shoes to relieve pressure on the joint
• supplying orthotics to help support the joint.

Find a podiatrist in your area — Podiatry NZexternal link

Even though you can manage the symptoms without surgery, surgery is the only way to get rid of a bunion. It usually involves correcting the angle of the joint.

There is very limited access to foot surgery through the public health system. You may want to see a private orthopaedic surgeon.

Orthopaedics (private hospitals and specialists) — HealthPoint

Talk to your healthcare provider about being referred to a foot surgeon or orthopaedic surgeon.