A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your 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, causing discomfort or even pain.

The development of a bunion changes the structure of the foot. As the bunion becomes larger, the mechanics of the foot alter, often placing additional stress on other parts of the foot and leading to additional problems, such as hammertoes or metatarsalgia. It’s important to note that a bunion doesn’t grow as a growth of new bone, but it forms due to a disruption in the normal balance of forces exerted on the joints and tendons of your foot, leading to instability in the joint that can eventually cause the deformity.

While bunions are clearly visible and can be diagnosed through a simple physical examination, an X-ray may be required to fully understand the severity of the deformity and to aid in devising the best treatment plan.

It’s common to experience a thickening of the skin and tissues next to the affected joint along with the formation of a bunion. Corns or calluses may appear where the first and second toes overlap. The persistent or intermittent pain accompanied by redness, inflammation, and restricted movement of the big toe are additional indicators of this foot condition.