Bunions

A Bunion is a painful bump that develops at the joint of the big toe.

Overview

bookings.orthopaedics@onewelbeck.com

02036532002

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a bump that develops at the joint of the big toe. They are painful and develop slowly over time. They develop from pressure placed on the big toe joint, causing the big toe to lean toward the second toe. After a period of time, this causes the bone structure to change, making it painful to walk or wear shoes. Bunions occur more often in people who wear tight shoes that squeeze the toes together, and if left untreated, symptoms can worsen over time.

Symptoms of a bunion

Symptoms primarily include a swollen bump on the outside of your foot, next to the big toe. This bump will cause the toe to point inwards. This can cause swelling and pain in and around the big toe made worse by applying pressure on it. The skin around the bunion may also be hard and red, with soreness causing difficulty when putting on shoes.

Prevention of a bunion

To prevent bunion injuries, it is important to keep track of the shape of your feet over time to look out for any noticeable changes. Aim to wear shoes that fit your feet properly without pinching or discomfort that squeezes your toes together, and avoid wearing pointed toe shoes. You can also prevent bunions by strength exercises for your feet, such as picking up small objects with your toes, or by doing toe stretches.

Risk factors of a bunion

Some of the main risk factors for getting a bunion include:

  • Footwear: Narrow or pointed footwear causes residual damage over time
  • Genetic disposition: If someone in your close family has had problems with bunions, it is a sign you should be proactive in preventing them
  • Age: Bunions are more common in people aged between 40-50
  • Foot type: Having flat feet increases the chances of developing bunions

Treatment options

If your bunions are causing significant pain, we offer bunion surgery to help alleviate symptoms. Bunion surgery either removes or realigns the bone sticking out on your big toe. Non-surgical treatments do exist including medication, bunion pads, insoles and splints.


View treatment Contact Us

Book a consultation

Nov 2024

MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

Currently selected day

Available consultations

Click any unavailable day to check availability with similar consultants

Condition overview
What is a bunion?

Introduction

Symptoms

Pain and swelling

Prevention

Wear comfortable shoes

Risk factors

Treatment options

Bunions Specialists

We boast a truly integrated team of orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, podiatric surgeons, rheumatology specialists, paid medicine consultants and hand therapy specialists. All of these services work together in one place, enabling us to give patients the best care possible.

Earliest availability 21 Nov
Bookings are avaliable

Mr Lee Parker

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Orthopaedics, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Hammer Toe, Sports Injuries, Achilles Tendon Surgery.

Earliest availability 22 Nov
Bookings are avaliable

Mr Paul Hamilton

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Orthopaedics, Sports Injuries, Upper and Lower Limb Tendon Injuries, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Arthritis, Foot Surgery, Shockwave Therapy, Morton's Neuroma.

Earliest availability 22 Nov
Bookings are avaliable

Mr Francesc Malagelada

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Orthopaedics, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Sports Injuries, Achilles Tendon Surgery, Flat Foot Deformity, Ankle Ligament Reconstruction Surgery.

Earliest availability 27 Nov
Bookings are avaliable

Mr Pal Ramesh

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Sports Injuries, Orthopaedics, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Hammer Toe, Shockwave Therapy, Knee Arthroscopy, Hip Arthroscopy.

Mr Amit Amin

Consultant Foot & Ankle Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Sports Injuries, Orthopaedics, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Arthritis, Achilles Tendon Strain, Shockwave Therapy, Morton's Neuroma.

Mr David Goodier

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Limb Reconstruction, Orthopaedics, Lower Limb Fracture Treatment, Knee.

Mr Matthew Solan

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Sports Injuries, Orthopaedics, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Hammer Toe, Arthritis, Shockwave Therapy, Morton's Neuroma, Flat Foot Deformity.

Mr R. Lloyd Williams

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Orthopaedics, Elite Sport, Sports Injuries, Sports Injuries of the Lower Limb, Foot & Ankle, Arthritis, Bunions, Morton's Neuroma.

View all consultants