Bunions are swollen bumps at the base of the big toe that force the toe to get larger and stick out. Pain occurs when excess bone and fluid develop in the toe joint. If left untreated, bunions can impede the ability to walk.

Symptoms

• Pain
• Tenderness
• Redness along the inside edge of the big toe
• A bony bump along the big toe
• Aggravated pain when wearing shoes
• Big toe turned inward

Treatment

• Wear wide, well-fitting shoes
• Felt or foam pads to cushion the toes
• Surgery to realign the toe and remove the bony growth