A bunion is a bony lump that forms at the base of your big toe. This lump is actually your big toe joint, which has become enlarged and pushed out of alignment. The skin over the lump may be thick and hard. Bunions can be painful, especially when you wear shoes that crowd your toes.

A bunion develops when the bones in your big toe joint become misaligned. This can happen for a number of reasons, including:

– Wearing shoes that are too tight or have high heels

– Having an inherited foot type that makes you more prone to bunions

– Having arthritis or another condition that affects the bones in your feet

Once a bunion forms, it can be difficult to treat. Treatment options include:

– Wearing shoes that fit properly and don’t put pressure on your big toe

– Using pads or other devices to help relieve pain and pressure on your big toe

– Taking over-the-counter pain relievers to help with pain and inflammation

– Getting cortisone

Some common treatments for bunions are:

– Surgery to realign the bones in your big toe joint

– Surgery to remove the bunion

– Surgery to fuse the bones in your big toe joint

If you have a bunion, it’s important to see your doctor so they can diagnose the condition and recommend treatment.