Understanding It
What a Bunion Is
A bunion is a change in the alignment of the joint at the base of the big toe. The first metatarsal bone drifts outward while the big toe angles inward, and the prominence you can see is the joint itself becoming exposed rather than a growth of new bone.
Because it is a structural change to the bones, it does not resolve on its own and tends to progress slowly over years. That does not mean it will always be painful. Plenty of people have visible bunions with little discomfort.
How does it usually present?
- A bony prominence on the inside of the foot at the big toe joint
- The big toe angling toward the second toe, sometimes overlapping it
- Redness, swelling or skin thickening over the bump
- Pain in shoes, particularly narrow or firm ones
- Aching in the joint after standing or walking
- Reduced movement in the big toe joint
- Secondary problems: calluses, corns, or pain under the ball of the foot as load shifts
When to Act
When to Seek Help
See a podiatrist if the bunion is painful, changing shape, making footwear difficult, or causing problems elsewhere in the foot.
Seek prompt medical or podiatry care if you have:
- Diabetes, peripheral neuropathy or poor circulation, and any skin breakdown, redness or ulceration over the bunion — this needs same-week assessment, as small wounds in these circumstances can deteriorate quickly
- A red, hot, swollen joint with fever — possible joint infection
- Sudden severe pain in the joint without injury — which may indicate gout or another inflammatory cause
Causes & Risk
What Causes It and Who Is at Risk
Foot structure and genetics are the main drivers: bunions run in families. Footwear does not cause bunions on its own but narrow, pointed or high-heeled shoes can accelerate progression and worsen symptoms.
Other contributors include flexible or flat foot posture, hypermobility, inflammatory arthritis, and previous foot injury. They are more common in women, and become more common with age.
How We Help
How Our Team Can Help
Our podiatrists assess the joint, your foot posture, how you walk, and how load is being distributed across the foot. Treatment aims to manage symptoms and slow progression rather than to correct the deformity, which only surgery can do.
Where the bunion is severe, deteriorating or not responding to conservative care, we can discuss whether referral to your GP for orthopaedic opinion is appropriate.
Starting Out
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your podiatrist will examine the joint, assess movement and foot posture, look at your footwear, and watch you walk. They will check circulation and sensation, particularly if you have diabetes.
You will get an explanation of what is happening, treatment on the day where appropriate (including reduction of any painful callus), and clear advice on footwear and next steps.
Ready to book?
Ready to get started?
Contact inOne Healthcare on 1300 765 456 or submit a referral online. Bunions are managed by our Podiatry team.
info@inonehealthcare.com.au
Flexible Options
Funding we accept.
Medicare
A GP Chronic Condition Management Plan may allow up to five rebated allied health services per calendar year, with a gap payment.
Support at Home
For older Australians, podiatry sits in the clinical care category and is fully government funded.
NDIS
Where foot problems relate to a funded disability.
Private
No referral required.
Free 20min Consultation
Unsure what support you need, or have funding enquiries? Book a free 20-minute telehealth consultation with our team.