Jump to content

  • Set Your Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
Set Your LocationSet Your Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Ask an Expert
  • Bunion Causes and Treatment
Content

Ask An Expert

Bunion Causes and Treatment

Carolyn E. McAloon

Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM

SEBMF HMO Network

Eden Medical Center

Question:

I have a bunion on my large toe that becomes painful and swollen, especially when I wear high heels. What caused this, and how can I fix it?

Answer:

Bunions are often described as a bump on the side of the big toe, but they are more than that. The visible bump is actually the result of the gradual drifting of the bones of the great toe.

Bunions are most often inherited, so it is unlikely that you did anything to cause it. Certainly, wearing shoes that crowd the toes - such as those with a tight toe box or high heels - can cause the pain and swelling that you have been experiencing.

We have two basic options to deal with this problem. We can change our shoes to fit our feet, or we can change our foot to fit the shoe. Initial treatments are aimed at easing the pain of bunions, but they won't reverse the deformity itself. Wearing roomy, low-heeled shoes; wearing a bunion pad to cushion the bump; icing and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naprosyn; and using custom orthotics in the shoes are common options.

When the pain of a bunion interferes with your daily activities, it's time to discuss surgical options with your podiatrist, so together you can decide if correcting the bunion is best for you. Your podiatrist will perform a thorough exam, including x-rays, to determine a treatment plan with the goal of eliminating your foot pain.

Related Questions

Question
  • Hyaluronic Acid Injections
    I have heard about hyaluronic acid injections for knee pain. What are they, and who is a candidate for this therapy?
  • Concussions in Children and Teens
    I'm concerned about my child getting a concussion while taking part in organized athletics. What can I do?
  • Neuropathy Pain in Legs and Feet
    I have neuropathy in both feet and legs. They feel heavy and at night they sometimes burn. My feet feel like I have a second skin, which makes it difficult to wiggle my toes and arch my feet.
  • Deciding on Knee Replacement?
    I am 79 years old and fairly fit, but I have some problems with balance and a lot of pain in my knees. An orthopedist said I had "bone-on-bone" issues. Do you have any advice for me that could help me make a decision about knee replacements?
  • Numbness and Tingling in the Hands
    I wake up with my right hand numb. My thumb and middle finger seem the worst. It takes awhile for the numbness to wear off. I work in a grocery store, so I'm always on my feet and on the register. What should I do?

Back to Bones, Joints and Muscles

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

  • Contact Us
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Request Medical Records
  • Make a Gift
Sign in to My Health Online

Billing and Insurance

  • Pay a Bill
  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Estimate Costs
  • Medicare Advantage

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Community Benefit
  • Annual Report
  • News

Our Team

  • For Employees
  • For Medical Professionals
  • For Vendors
  • For Volunteers

Careers

  • Jobs at Sutter
  • Physician Jobs
  • Graduate Medical Education

Copyright © 2023 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

  • ADA Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • LinkedIn Opens new window
  • YouTube Opens new window
  • Facebook Opens new window
  • Twitter Opens new window
  • Instagram Opens new window
  • Glassdoor Opens new window

Cookie Policy

We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences