Understanding bunions
A bunion, or hallux valgus, develops when the joint at the base of the big toe drifts out of alignment, pushing the toe towards its neighbours and the joint outwards. The prominence you can see is the visible end of a much larger mechanical change.
The important question is rarely how it looks, but whether the big toe can still do its job. When it cannot, load transfers elsewhere and problems appear in the forefoot, knee or hip.
Signs you might notice
- A bony prominence at the base of the big toe
- Rubbing, redness or a bursa over the joint
- Big toe drifting towards the second toe
- Pain in the ball of the foot as load shifts across
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
Common contributing factors
- Inherited foot structure and joint laxity
- Footwear that crowds the forefoot over many years
- Foot posture that overloads the inside of the foot
- Reduced stability through the midfoot
- Conditions affecting joints such as inflammatory arthritis
How we assess and treat it
We assess how much movement remains at the joint and, using pressure mapping, how load is being redistributed across the forefoot. That tells us whether the bunion is the source of your pain or a passenger alongside something else.
Non-surgical management will not straighten the toe, and we will not pretend otherwise. What it can do is reduce pain, improve function and slow progression.
- Footwear guidance that actually fits your forefoot
- Joint mobilisation and soft tissue work
- Strength work for the foot and first ray
- Offloading and orthotic support where indicated
- Honest advice on when a surgical opinion is worth seeking
Common questions
Can treatment straighten my bunion?
No. Splints and exercises do not reverse the bony change. They can reduce pain, maintain movement and help you avoid or delay surgery, which for many people is the real goal.
Should I have surgery?
That depends on pain and function rather than appearance. We will give you a straight assessment and refer you on if that is genuinely the right route.
Will my bunion get worse?
Often slowly, yes. Managing footwear and loading early tends to make a real difference to how quickly that happens.