How to Tell if Your Bunions Are Getting Worse

At some point, almost every bunion becomes painful enough that it warrants treatment. Early on, the effects of bunions can be mild and intermittent. You might notice pain after wearing shoes all day, tightness after exercise, or feel self-conscious about the appearance of your toe.

But as your bunion worsens, these symptoms slowly start affecting your mobility. Your toe joint gets further out of alignment as the rest of your foot continues to function normally. The muscles and bones near your big toe must compensate for your shifting center of pressure, which can lead to problems up and down your legs if left untreated.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR BUNION IS GETTING WORSE?

Learn more about bunions, how they progress, and what you can do to keep your feet healthy.

Recognizing the signs that your bunions are getting worse will alert you when it’s time to intervene. The longer you wait to treat your bunion, the more limited your treatment options may become. Here’s what you should know about how bunions progress:

HOW DO BUNIONS Worsen Over Time?

Bunions form when your big toe starts drifting inward, causing the bone it’s attached to (called the first metatarsal) to point outward. When your weight shifts onto this joint during every step, it forces the bones of your foot into an unnatural position. As weight is pushed up against the joint, inflammation and instability start to occur.

Gradually, the muscles and ligaments around your big toe joint stretch or tighten to keep it in that position. Eventually, your soft tissue structures hold your joint captive in this deformed position. The longer you live with a bunion, the harder it will be to correct!

SYMPTOMS THAT INDICATE YOUR BUNION IS GETTING WORSE

You will likely experience increased pain when you walk or stand. Your foot may feel more swollen after standing or exercising. You might even notice that the skin around your bunion becomes red and tender to touch.

The most obvious sign that your bunion is worsening is the visible change in your toe’s appearance. As your big toe presses against your next toe, they may begin to overlap or develop deformities of their own. You may also notice that your big toe has limited range of motion as the joint is no longer able to move like it used to. Losing this push-off strength can make it difficult to walk long distances.

DO BUNIONS AFFECT THE REST OF YOUR BODY?

Since your feet are the foundation your body uses to move, a bunion can cause a cascade of effects. If you alter your gait in an attempt to relieve pressure from your bunion, you may place excess stress on your ankle, knee, hip, or lower back. Even if you don’t notice these changes, your foot still has to adjust to your bunion. This often leads to overcompensation by other joints, which can cause fatigue or pain elsewhere.

WHY DO SHOES STOP HELPING YOUR BUNION?

At first, shoe gear can help alleviate the pain you feel from your bunion. Wearing shoes with a wider toe box or adding padding can reduce some of your symptoms. As your bunion worsens, your shoes eventually won’t feel as comfortable. Shoes that used to fit just right may start to rub against your foot or leave your bunion exposed. This can be a sign that the joint is beginning to “fix” itself into a position that won’t respond to external forces like shoe gear.

CAN YOU STILL TREAT A FIXED BUNION WITHOUT SURGERY?

Simple treatments like switching to roomy shoes, wearing orthotics, and avoiding high-impact activity can help manage bunions before they get severe. However, once the joint has become fixed or severely misaligned, there’s no way for non-surgical treatments to revert your condition back to normal.

WHEN IS IT TOO LATE FOR NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT?

If you’re still in pain despite wearing orthotics, changing your footwear, and taking it easy on your feet, then it may be time to transition to other forms of care. Other indications that your foot has progressed too far for conservative treatment include not being able to stand for long periods of time, your toes beginning to overlap, and pain that affects your daily life.

YOU DESERVE A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION

Here at Treasure Valley Foot and Ankle, we take every treatment decision one step at a time. It’s important to us that you not only understand your options but also why you need them. By taking a look at how your deformity impacts your body’s movement, we can assess whether you should continue with conservative care or begin preparing for surgery.

WHAT ARE MY SURGICAL OPTIONS?

Bunion surgery realigns your bones to restore normal function to your joint. Many different procedures exist depending on the severity of your deformity. Some bunions only require minor corrections while others need additional support to keep your foot properly aligned. Surgery isn’t designed to just remove the bump on your toe- it’s designed to fix the root cause of your

deformity.

Take pride in knowing that your surgery was performed by qualified foot specialists. Recovery from bunion surgery will take time, but we’ll be with you every step of the way. You may be required to limit weight bearing for a few weeks and undergo physical therapy. Most patients see dramatic reductions in pain and improvement in their ability to move around once they’ve recovered.

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR BUNION IS GETTING WORSE? DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE.

You should never expect a bunion to heal on its own. The longer you wait to address your bunion, the worse your condition will get. Early on, you may be able to reverse the effects of your bunion. However, if left unchecked your joint can suffer permanent damage and lead to arthritis or even additional deformities. By addressing your bunion early, you improve your chances of avoiding surgery and experiencing long-term relief.

If you experience persistent foot pain, see one of our caring physicians for an evaluation. Our team can help you understand your condition and develop a conservative treatment plan to help restore comfort to your feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my bunion is getting worse?

If you experience persistent pain while walking or standing, feel like your foot swells after activity and does not return to normal, or your toe begins to overlap your other toes, your bunion is getting worse. Other signs include inability to wear regular shoes and pain that interferes with your day-to-day activities.

Can bunions be corrected without surgery?

Bunions can be managed without surgery by wearing roomy shoes, adding orthotics, and avoiding high-impact activity. These methods will prevent your bunion from getting worse. Once your joint becomes fixed or severely malformed, there’s no way to correct your bunion without surgery.

When should I consider bunion surgery?

The best time to consider bunion surgery is when your pain starts to interfere with your day-to-day activities. If your symptoms continue to get worse despite conservative care, then it’s time to seek other treatment options. Only a qualified foot specialist can properly determine if you’re a candidate for surgery.