What Causes Bunions?
Bunions are most commonly caused by poorly fitting footwear, particularly tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes. These styles force the front of the foot into a constricted position, pushing the big toe toward the smaller toes.
Other factors that may contribute include:
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Genetic predisposition – a family history of bunions or foot deformities.
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Flat feet or abnormal foot mechanics.
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Arthritis – especially inflammatory types such as rheumatoid arthritis.
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Injury to the foot or big toe joint.
Women are more likely to develop bunions, and long-term use of narrow or high-heeled shoes significantly increases the risk.
Anatomy of a Bunion
In a normal foot, the big toe points straight ahead. With a bunion, the toe begins to angle inward toward the others, causing the joint at its base to protrude outward. The joint becomes enlarged as bone shifts and extra bone forms around it.
This misalignment can also cause inflammation of the small fluid-filled sac (bursa) beside the joint — a condition known as bursitis — leading to additional pain, redness, and swelling. Over time, arthritis may develop in the joint, further limiting mobility and comfort.
Benefits of Bunion Surgery
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Pain relief: Reduces or eliminates the discomfort caused by pressure and inflammation.
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Improved alignment: Restores the big toe to its natural position, improving foot mechanics.
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Better footwear options: Allows comfortable wear of normal shoes without pressure on the joint.
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Enhanced mobility: Restores stability and balance when walking or standing.
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Improved appearance: Corrects the visible deformity and reduces swelling or redness.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, bunion correction carries some risks, including:
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Infection or delayed wound healing.
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Recurrence of the deformity over time.
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Stiffness or limited motion in the big toe joint.
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Nerve irritation or numbness near the incision.
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Persistent pain or swelling.
These risks are uncommon, and most patients recover well with careful surgical planning and proper rehabilitation.
Before and After Surgery
Before surgery
Your surgeon will perform a full assessment, including x-rays, to evaluate the severity of the deformity and determine the best surgical approach. You’ll be advised to stop certain medications if necessary and ensure the skin around your foot is healthy before the procedure.
Surgery
Bunion correction is performed under general or regional anaesthesia. The surgeon realigns the bones of the big toe and removes excess bone from the joint. In some cases, small screws or plates are used to hold the bones in their corrected position while they heal. The surgery usually takes between one and two hours, and most patients go home the same day.
Recovery
After surgery, the foot is protected in a special postoperative shoe or boot. Weight-bearing is limited initially, and you may use crutches for a short period. Swelling and mild discomfort are normal for several weeks. Stitches are usually removed around two weeks post-surgery, and full recovery can take 8–12 weeks, depending on the type of procedure performed.
Most patients notice significant improvement in pain, comfort, and foot shape once healing is complete.
What are Bunions?
A bunion is a bony prominence that forms at the base of the big toe, where the toe meets the foot. While it may appear to be just a bump, a bunion is actually a complex deformity involving changes to the bones, tendons, and ligaments of the foot.
In most cases, the big toe gradually shifts inward toward the other toes — a condition known as hallux valgus. This shift causes the joint at the base of the toe (the first metatarsophalangeal joint) to become enlarged and misaligned, often leading to pain, swelling, and redness. Over time, walking or wearing shoes can become uncomfortable or even difficult.
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