what is a bunion

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. It occurs when some of the bones in the front part of your foot move out of place, causing the tip of your big toe to get pulled toward the smaller toes and forcing the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out. The skin over the bunion might be red and sore, and you may experience ongoing big toe or foot pain, decreased movement of your big toe or foot, and difficulty finding shoes that fit properly because of a bunion. Bunions can be caused by wearing tight, narrow shoes that force the toes into an unnatural position, foot deformities present at birth, inherited foot type, foot stress or injuries, and medical conditions such as arthritis. To help prevent bunions, it is recommended to choose shoes carefully, with a wide toe box and space between the tip of your longest toe and the end of the shoe, and to avoid shoes that squeeze or press any part of your foot. Treatment for bunions may include wearing the right kind of shoes, padding, over-the-counter painkillers, and surgery in severe cases.