Myths About Bunions

At Goldsmith Podiatry, bunions are one of the conditions we treat frequently. Although common, many of our Manhattan patients have misconceptions about bunions. 

Here are popular bunion myths, followed by the facts that dispel them:

MYTH: Bunions are a bump at the base of your toe.

FACT: While that may be how a bunion is most easily recognized, the bony enlargement manifests an internal problem with the bone structure in your foot. This defect causes the big toe to drift toward the second toe, resulting in the telltale bunion bump. 

 

MYTH: The big toe joint is the sole place where bunions develop.

 

FACT: Although less common, bunions can also form at the base of the pinky toe. These are called tailor bunions or bunionettes.

 

MYTH: Bunions are caused by wearing shoes that are too tight.

 

FACT: Bunions occur primarily in people who have inherited a defective foot structure. Your footwear choices, however, can speed the development and exacerbate the symptoms. Very narrow shoes that squish toes together, as well as those with high heels, which exert excessive pressure on the forefoot, should be avoided if you have a bunion or they run in your family.

 

MYTH: You don’t have to do anything about a bunion when it’s small.

 

FACT: This is a mistake we wish patients would not make. Bunions are a progressive condition. They will only get worse over time, not better. At first, a bunion might appear to be just a cosmetic problem, but over time, other symptoms will develop, including:

  • Pain, redness, and swelling at the site

  • Callus formation under the ball of the foot

  • Developing overlapping toes or hammertoes

  • Corns and skin irritation from where the toe(s) rub up against footwear

  • Decreased range of motion in the big toe—this affects your ability to walk properly

 

MYTH: The only treatment for bunions is surgery.

 

FACT: The only way to permanently correct a bunion is indeed through surgery. However, conservative, non-surgical measures can be taken to relieve uncomfortable symptoms and slow the progression of the bunion. These options include icing, padding, taping, cortisone injections, physical therapy, and custom orthotics. 

If you believe you have a bunion developing, don’t wait. Contact our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002 for an appointment. One of our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff, will evaluate your bunion and determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Goldsmith Podiatry