3 Early Signs of Bunions and How to Treat Them

Seeing a minor bulge at the base of your toe might not seem like a major issue at first glance. But bunions don’t form overnight, and the earlier you notice the signs, the better your chances of avoiding long-term pain and more invasive treatment down the line.

At Alpine Foot & Ankle in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Alpine, Wyoming, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Andrew McCall, DPM, FACFAS, provides both conservative and surgical care for bunions at every stage. 

If you notice changes in your foot shape or discomfort when wearing shoes, paying attention now could spare you years of chronic pain. Here, we describe three early signs of bunions to look out for and explain treatments that can help. 

1. A visible bump at the base of your big toe

If you spot a minor bump in the joint where your big toe meets your foot, you’re likely witnessing one of the earliest signs that you have a bunion developing. This bump at the metatarsophalangeal joint is the shifting of bone out of its normal place, which is often caused by structural imbalances in the foot. 

Over time, the big toe pushes toward the second toe, increasing the pressure and causing the joint to stick out more.

You might not feel much pain initially, but if you notice one foot looking different than the other, or see a slow-growing protrusion, it’s time to have it evaluated. Catching a bunion in the early stages lets you take steps to help prevent it from progressing.

2. Redness, swelling, or tenderness around the joint

Even before bunions lead to major misalignment, they usually trigger inflammation in the joint. You might feel soreness or notice that the skin is red or irritated. This is especially common after walking or wearing tight shoes. It’s your body’s way of signaling that stress is building at the joint.

At this stage, conservative care like custom orthotics, bunion pads, or anti-inflammatory medication can go a long way in relieving discomfort and slowing the bunion’s development.

3. Changes in how your shoes fit or feel

If you’ve recently had to bump up your shoe size, or if your favorite pair of flats suddenly feel tight across the toes, a bunion could be the culprit. As the joint protrudes, it alters the shape of your foot, which makes regular shoes feel uncomfortable and can cause rubbing and blisters.

This is a biomechanical issue. Your gait can change as your foot tries to compensate for the altered joint alignment, potentially causing pain in your arches, ankles, knees, or even hips. The sooner you address the fit issue, the more mobility you can preserve.

Treatment for bunions

When you visit Alpine Foot & Ankle, Dr. McCall assesses the severity of your bunion using a physical exam. He may also order X-ray imaging. If caught early, treatment typically includes nonsurgical approaches, such as:

• Custom orthotics to redistribute foot pressure
• Recommendations to modify your footwear
• Physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles
• Corticosteroid injections for inflammation

If your bunion is more advanced, or if noninvasive methods don’t relieve your pain, Dr. McCall may recommend a surgical solution. With his expertise in minimally invasive techniques, many patients recover faster and with less scarring than with traditional bunion surgeries.

Keep moving comfortably

Bunions are a progressive foot condition, but with early intervention, you can stay ahead of the pain. If you’re just noticing the early signs of bunions or you’re already struggling with discomfort, Dr. McCall can create the right treatment plan for you.  

Call Alpine Foot & Ankle today, or request an appointment online. Don’t let the early stages of a bunion fool you into putting off treatment.