Overview

A bunion is a bump on the outside of the joint at the bottom of your big toe. It can cause pain and swelling in the toe. A bunion forms when bone or tissue around the joint becomes swollen from too much pressure. You also can have a bunionette, or tailor's bunion, which forms on the joint of the little toe. Sometimes, a bunion on the big toe turns the toe in toward the second toe. This is called displacement. It can lead to problems with the other toes.

You can get a bunion from having an unusual walking style, having flatfeet, or wearing tight-fitting shoes. You can treat most bunions at home with a few simple steps. If you have a lot of pain, your doctor may inject medicine into the bunion to reduce swelling for a while. If you still have pain, you may need to have surgery.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Wear shoes that have a wide and deep space for the toes. Also, wear shoes that have low or flat heels and good arch supports. Do not wear tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes.
• Try bunion pads, arch supports, toe spacers, or shoe inserts. They can help shift your weight when you walk to take pressure off your big toe.
• Put moleskin or another type of cushion on or around the bunion to keep it from rubbing against your shoe.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time as needed. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• Prop up your foot on a pillow when you ice your toe or anytime you sit or lie down. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.