BUNIONS
A painful bony bump forming at the base of your big toe?
A bunion (hallux valgus) is a progressive progressive change in alignment of the big toe joint. Our podiatrists can assess the joint, relieve shoe pressure, and recommend custom orthotics to slow progression
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Does any of this sound familiar?
Bunions develop gradually over years. Common signs and symptoms include:
- A visible bump or prominence on the inside edge of the big toe joint
- Pain, redness, or swelling over the joint when wearing closed shoes
- The big toe angling inwards towards or overlapping your second toe
- Stiffness or restricted motion in the big toe when walking or bending
- Corns or calluses where the big toe and second toe rub together
- Difficulty finding comfortable, stylish footwear that fits across the forefoot
Early conservative podiatric care can help manage pain and slow progression.
Surgery is not the only option — biomechanical assessment and orthotics help many patients.
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POSSIBLE CAUSES
What causes bunions?
Bunions result from a combination of inherited foot mechanics and external factors:
Inherited foot mechanics
Overpronation, ligamentous laxity, and foot structure inherited from parents drive joint deviation.
Footwear pressure
Narrow, pointed toe boxes and high heels accelerate joint misalignment by compressing toes.
Joint hypermobility
Excessive motion in the first metatarsocuneiform joint destabilizes the first ray.
Inflammatory joint conditions
Arthritis or inflammatory conditions can damage joint cartilage and alignment over time.
WHEN TO SEEK ASSESSMENT
When should you consider getting a bunion checked?
Consider arranging an assessment if:
- The joint is causing daily pain with walking or standing
- You notice the angle of your big toe is actively worsening
- The second toe is starting to hammer or overlap
- Finding footwear without painful rubbing is becoming difficult
- You want conservative options to slow progression before considering surgery
YOUR APPOINTMENT
What happens when you come to see us?
We evaluate joint range of motion, foot mechanics, and footwear needs
We listen
We review your symptoms, family history of bunions, and daily shoe demands.
We examine
Your podiatrist checks big toe joint mobility, pain levels, and cartilage health.
We analyse
A biomechanical and gait assessment examines how overpronation is loading the joint.
We plan
You receive guidance on custom orthotics, footwear fitting, and pain-relief options.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment depends on what we find
Conservative treatment aims to reduce pain, offload the joint, and slow progression:
Not every treatment is appropriate for every patient. Your podiatrist will discuss suitable options after assessment.
- Prescription custom orthotics to stabilize the first ray
- Biomechanical & gait assessment
- Footwear advice (wider toe-box, softer uppers)
- Silicone toe spacers & bunion protection shields
- Routine debridement of associated corns or calluses
- Surgical referral guidance where indicated
We're here for you
Tired of Living With Pain? We Can Help
STEP 1 OF 2
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OUR CLINICIANS
You'll be seen by our podiatry team
Our clinicians assess a wide range of foot, ankle and lower-limb problems and will explain your options clearly.
Matthew Francis
Clinical Director / Managing Podiatrist
Megan Kelly
General & High Risk Foot Podiatrist
Yaw Nimoh
MSK, Sports & Advanced Practice Podiatrist
Patient Reviews
What our patients say about their care
Real feedback from individuals who have trusted our clinical team with their mobility and foot health.
FAQ
Bunion FAQs
READY TO GET STARTED?
Ready to get your bunion assessed?
Book online at a time that suits you, or request a callback if you're unsure which appointment is right for you.