Do I Have Bunions?

Do you have a bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe?

Do you have swelling and redness around your big toe joint?

Do you have ongoing pain around at the base of your big toe?

Do you have tenderness or pain that comes and goes around your big toe?

Do you have corns or calluses on your toes (usually, where the first and second toes rub against each other)?

Do you have stiffness and limited movement of your big toe?

Do you have difficulty walking?

Do you often wear shoes with a narrow, pointed toe box?

If you are a woman, do you often wear high heels?

Do you have a family history of bunions?

Do you have rheumatoid arthritis or polio?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have bunions. A bony bump that forms on the inside of your foot at the base of your big toe is called a bunion. Bunions are painful; they usually start out small and get bigger over time. Anybody can develop bunions, but they seem to be more common in women than men. Many women choose to wear high hills and tight, narrow shoes that increase the possibility of a bunion to develop. To prevent bunions, always wear comfortable shoes. Select shoes that do not squeeze your feet. Don’t buy tight shoes with expectation that they will "stretch" to fit.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have bunions. A bunion or hallux valgus represents a painful bony bump at the big toe joint. A bunion develops slowly, gradually putting pressure on the big toe causing it to lean toward the second toe. Bunions lead to deformation of your foot, making it difficult for you to wear shoes or walk. In addition to the common bunions, there are adolescent bunions and bunionette. Adolescent bunions usually occur in girls between 10 and 15 and run in a family, and bunionette forms at the base of a little toe. Bunions are usually treated without surgery.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have bunions. A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe joint. The joint of your big toe becomes enlarged and inflamed. It can be very painful and alter the appearance of your foot. While walking, you flex your big toe joint with every step, so bunions often make walking difficult. Bunions are usually caused by wearing poorly fitting shoes, but it can also run in a family. Treatment includes changes in footwear, use of shoe inserts (orthotics) and protective pads, and medication. In some cases your doctor may recommend surgery.