What is a Bunion?

Bunions are one of the most common foot problems treated by Dr. Victoria Gensemer. In fact, bunions are one of the most common disorders treated by most podiatrists across the country. More than half the women in America have bunions, a common deformity often blamed on wearing tight, narrow shoes. Bunions cause the base of your big toe (Metatarsophalangeal Joint) to enlarge and protrude. The skin over it may become red and tender. Bunions can be acquired over time or they can be congenital (you got it from your family).

Wearing any type of shoe may be painful when you have a bunion. The joint involved flexes with every step you take. The bigger your bunion gets, the more it hurts to walk. Bursitis (inflammation) may also set in. Your big toe may angle towards your second toe, or you may develop overlapping toes. The skin on the bottom of your foot may also become thicker and painful.