What is bunion?

A bunion is a bony bump on the side of the big toe. The change in the structure of the foot causes the big toe to lean towards the second toe. This alteration in the structure of the big toe reflects a change in overall mechanics of the foot.

Bunions are a progressive deformity, which develop over a period of time. When the big toe starts to deviate towards the smaller toes, the angles of the bones change gradually, which eventually produce the bump at the base of the big toe joint. When a significant amount of malalignment occurs at the big toe joint, it can lead to abnormal wear in the joint leading to inflammation and pain inside and outside of the joint. Symptoms can occur in any stage of the deformity and usually worsen if left untreated.