What a bunion is
A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a change in the alignment of the big toe joint. The big toe leans toward the second toe, and the joint pushes out to form a bump on the inside of the foot. Foot structure that runs in families plays a big role. Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes can make a bunion more painful.
Common symptoms
- A bump at the base of the big toe that rubs on shoes
- Redness, swelling, or soreness over the bump
- Pain in the big toe joint when walking
- Corns or calluses where the toes overlap
- A second toe that starts to bend into a hammertoe
Thinking about bunion surgery?
If surgery has been recommended, a second opinion before surgery can help you understand the procedure, the recovery, and your other options.
Stiff, painful big toe joint
Pain and stiffness in the big toe joint without much of a bump is often hallux rigidus, which is arthritis of that joint. It's evaluated at the same visit.
Which visit to book
Book the Focused Pain visit ($199).
When not to wait. If you can't put weight on your foot after an injury, have a wound, spreading redness, warmth, fever, or a foot that suddenly turns cold, pale, or dark, go to urgent care or an emergency department, or call 911. This clinic does not provide emergency care.