So you’ve got a bunion on the foot, and you’ve probably been blamed for it.
“You wore the wrong shoes,” they say, or, “It’s just part of getting older.”
Well no — let’s have a bit of clarity. That bump at the base of your big toe isn’t your fault, and it’s not just cosmetic. It’s a structural, biomechanical breakdown that can be made worse by narrow shoes, genetics, and outdated advice. The worst part? Most treatments out there barely scratch the surface.
It’s time to dig deeper — and finally give your feet the space, support, and respect they deserve.
📌 At a Glance
All the key facts on Bunions in one place — no scrolling, no searching.
Read our Bunions Info Bytes for 20 quick Q&As.
What Is a Bunion?
Medically called hallux valgus, a bunion is a bony deformity where your big toe begins to angle inward toward your second toe. Over time, the joint at the base of the toe (the metatarsophalangeal joint) pushes outward, creating the visible bump.
It’s not just a lump of bone. It’s the sign of misalignment that can lead to pain, inflammation, and even changes to your walking pattern.
What Causes Bunions?
There’s no single villain — bunions usually develop due to a mix of factors:
- Genetics – Inherited foot structures, such as flat feet or loose ligaments.
- Foot mechanics – Overpronation, fallen arches, or abnormal gait.
- Medical conditions – Particularly arthritis (especially rheumatoid).
- Footwear – Narrow, high-heeled, or stiff shoes accelerate progression.
- Age & wear – The older we get, the more strain our joints endure.
- Injury – Repeated stress or trauma can gradually destabilise the joint.
Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Bunions don’t always scream for attention at first, but they rarely stay quiet. Watch out for:
- Swelling, redness, and tenderness at the joint
- Sharp or aching pain when walking or wearing shoes
- Restricted movement in the big toe
- Corns or calluses where toes rub together
- Visible misalignment of the big toe
Why Most Shoes Make Bunions Worse
The shoe industry has long ignored real human foot shapes. Standard lasts are narrow, rigid, and outdated — particularly bad for people with bunions.
What you need is more than just a “wide size.” Look for shoes designed with bunions in mind:
- Wide and deep toe boxes to reduce pressure
- Soft, stretchable uppers (leather, mesh, or knit)
- Cushioned midsoles for shock absorption
- Minimal heel height (ideally flat or up to 1 inch)
- Adjustable straps, laces, or Velcro for a secure fit
At WiderFittingShoes.com, we believe in comfort and support, not punishing your feet for existing.
Managing Bunion Pain Without Surgery
Most bunions can be managed without an operation, especially if you act early. Options include:
- Wearing wide-fitting shoes with room in the toe box
- Using bunion pads or gel shields to reduce rubbing
- Adding orthotics to support arches and correct mechanics
- Applying ice or anti-inflammatory cream during flare-ups
- Doing foot strengthening and mobility exercises
- Trying toe spacers or splints, particularly overnight
The aim isn’t to “cure” the bunion — it’s to manage pain, slow progression, and protect your quality of life.
When Is Bunion Surgery Worth Considering?
If your bunion continues to cause pain, restrict movement, or disrupt daily activities despite conservative care, it may be time to speak to a specialist.
Surgical procedures can:
- Realign the bones
- Remove swollen tissue
- Correct joint deformity
Recovery takes 6–12 weeks depending on the method. Surgery can bring relief, but it’s not a guaranteed “fix” — recurrence is possible if underlying causes aren’t managed.
The Bigger Picture: UK Prevalence
Bunions are extremely common in the UK, especially in women over 65.
- Women are several times more likely than men to develop bunions.
- Prevalence rises sharply with age.
Here is a detailed pie chart showing the prevalence of Bunions in the UK
Estimated prevalence of bunions (hallux valgus) in UK adults, broken down by age and gender. Women are significantly more affected, particularly over 65.”
References
- Royal College of Podiatry – What are Bunions?
- NHS – Bunions Overview
- Nix S. et al. (2010). Prevalence of hallux valgus in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
- Thomas M. et al. (2019). Population prevalence and associations of hallux valgus in older adults. BMJ Open
Prevalence figures are estimates drawn from systematic reviews and UK health sources. Women are significantly more affected than men, particularly over 65.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can bunions be mistaken for other foot problems?
A: Yes. Arthritis, gout, and bursitis can all cause swelling and pain around the big toe joint. A podiatrist can confirm whether it’s truly a bunion.
Q: Do bunions affect how I walk?
A: They can. As the toe joint shifts, your walking pattern may change, which sometimes leads to knee, hip, or back discomfort.
Q: Are bunions more common on one foot than the other?
A: Many people develop bunions on both feet, but one is often more severe. This usually depends on foot shape, activity levels, or footwear habits.
Q: Can bunions come back after surgery?
A: Yes. If underlying issues like foot mechanics or poor footwear aren’t addressed, bunions may reappear even after corrective surgery.
Q: Do children or teenagers get bunions?
A: Yes, though it’s less common. Juvenile bunions can develop in adolescents with inherited foot structures and may worsen as they grow.
The Bottom Line: Step into comfort, not compromise.
If you’re planning your day around foot pain, it’s not just discomfort — it’s holding you back.
Bunion treatment starts with shoes. Supportive, wide-fit designs aren’t optional; they’re essential. Pair them with simple home treatments, and you can avoid years of pain and possibly delay surgery altogether.
Because your feet are only half the problem. Your shoes are the other half.