A bunion is a bony-like bump that forms at the joint where your big toe connects to the rest of your foot. Often, this pushes the big toe toward the rest of your toes. The joint may become red, swollen, and/or painful.

The cause of bunions is not completely clear. Many researchers believe it is a genetic condition exacerbated by wearing improper footwear, stress, injury, or arthritis. A history of wearing high heels, for example, tends to consistently push the toes together, which may cause bunions.

Bunions also tend to run in families, as foot shape and structure are hereditary in the same way height and eye color are. If your bunions are painful or debilitating and conservative treatment fails, there are numerous bunion surgery options.

For more information, please see our Bunions Treatment page.