A bunion is a bony prominence at the base of the big toe, where the joint drifts outwards and the toe angles inwards. They tend to run in families, they are more common in women, and while tight or pointed footwear does not create them from nothing, it accelerates them and makes them hurt.
More information
The honest answer on straightening them
No exercise, splint, toe spacer or insole will straighten an established bunion. Surgery is the only thing that corrects the bony position, and anybody selling you otherwise is selling you something.
That is not the same as saying nothing can be done, because for most people the goal is not a straight toe, it is a foot that does not hurt. Comfort and function respond well to treatment.
What actually helps
Footwear is the biggest single factor, specifically width and depth in the toe box rather than length, and it makes a considerable difference within days rather than months. Orthotics or insoles help where the way your foot loads is contributing to the pain or to the progression. Toe spacers and splints can relieve symptoms even though they do not correct the deformity. Skin and nail care matters, because bunions produce callus and pressure lesions where the joint rubs. And strengthening the foot and calf helps the foot manage load better.
When to consider surgery
When pain persists despite good footwear and conservative treatment, when it stops you doing things that matter, or when the toe is affecting the toes next to it. It is an effective operation with a real recovery period, and it is a decision for a foot and ankle surgeon. We will write to your GP.
We have podiatry and physiotherapy in the same clinic, so are able to look after you post surgery with both disciplines.
