Bunions are bony lumps that form on the side of the feet. Surgery is the only way to get rid of them, but there are things you can do to ease any pain they cause.

Symptoms of bunions

• the main symptoms of bunions are hard lumps on the sides of your feet, by your big toes
• your big toe may point towards your other toes
• you may have hard or swollen skin. The bunion may look red or darker than the skin around it.

You may also have pain along the side or bottom of your feet. This is usually worse when wearing shoes and walking.

If you're not sure it's a bunion:

• foot symptoms:  red, hot, swollen skin over the affected joint that comes and goes - possible cause could be gout
• foot symptoms: aching, swollen and stiff joints; usually worse in the morning - possible cause could be arthritis
• foot symptoms: pain, bruising and swelling after hurting your toe - possible cause could be a broken toe

How to ease bunion pain yourself

You cannot get rid of bunions or stop them getting worse yourself, but there are things you can do to relieve any pain:

Do:

• wear wide shoes with a low heel and soft sole
• hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel) to the bunion for up to 5 minutes at a time
• try bunion pads (soft pads you put in shoes to stop them rubbing on a bunion) - you can buy these from pharmacies
• take paracetamol or ibuprofen
• try to lose weight if you're overweight

Don't:

• do not wear high heels or tight, pointy shoes

See a GP if:

• the pain has not improved after trying home treatments for a few weeks
• the pain is stopping you doing your normal activities
• your bunions are getting worse
• you also have diabetes – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes

Treatments for a bunions

f you have bunions, a GP will look at your foot and ask you about your symptoms.

They might refer you to a foot specialist (podiatrist).

A GP or podiatrist can advise you about:

• things you can do to ease your symptoms
• things you can buy or have specially made to reduce bunion pain, such as insoles (orthotics), toe spacers and toe supports (splints)

You can also pay to see a foot specialist privately.

Find a podiatrist

Surgery

A GP may refer you for surgery if your bunions are very painful or they're having a big effect on your life.

Surgery is not done just to improve how your feet look.

What happens during bunion surgery

The main operation for bunions is an osteotomy.

This involves:

1. Making a small cut in the skin over your big toe.
2. Cutting or scraping away the bunion.
3. Straightening your toe bone.
4. Fixing your toe bone in place with metal screws or staples put under your skin - these are often left in permanently

Surgery is usually done when you're asleep under general anaesthetic. But stometimes it may be done under local anaesthetic (where you're awake but feel no pain).

Most people go home the same day.

It can take a while to recover from bunion surgery.

You'll usually need to:

• rest and keep your feet raised as much as possible for at least 2 weeks
• avoid driving for 6 to 8 weeks
• stay off work for 2 to 12 weeks
• avoid sports for 3 to 6 months

After the operation:

• your toes might be weaker or stiffer than before
• your toes may not be perfectly straight
• your feet may still be painful

Bunions sometimes come back after surgery.

Self-refer to a podiatrist

If you have bunions, you might be able to refer yourself directly to a podiatrist without seeing a GP.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

• ask the reception staff at your GP surgery
• check your GP surgery's website
• search online for NHS podiatrists near you

How to prevent bunions

The cause of bunions is not always known, but you may be more likely to get them if you wear shoes that do not fit properly.

It might help to:

• make sure your shoes are the correct size and have enough room for your toes
• avoid shoes with high heels or pointy toes