Early Signs of Bunions: What to Look For and When to Get Help

How common are bunions? Some assume they’re something only older people have to deal with, but the truth is that around  23% of 18 to 65-year-olds have them. They can go largely unnoticed at the start, with many only booking an appointment after a bunion’s been growing for months.

Bunions or Hallux abducto valgus, refers to a gradual change in the position of the big toe where it starts to angle toward the other toes and creates a noticeable bump on the inside of the foot. Spotting the early signs of bunions can save you a lot of trouble, as they’re much easier to manage when they’re smaller. You might notice a small bump forming or your big toe starting to lean inward, and there’s usually no pain to warn you. 

It's easy to brush it off, but they don’t tend to go away on their own. In this blog, we look at what those early signs look like, so you know when to reach out for expert Chiropody/Podiatry help.

What Do the Early Signs of Bunions Look Like?

What you have to remember is that the early signs of bunions are on the subtle side of things, so they’re not going to jump out at you. In fact, it’s really easy to miss them completely! The moment when most people sit up and take notice is when the bunion in question gets bigger or starts hurting.

Many people become aware of changes once discomfort develops or the area becomes more noticeable. Bunions are commonly described as a progressive condition, meaning changes may occur gradually over time. Being aware of early changes can be helpful. Below are some commonly observed patterns.

#1 - Changes in Your Toe Position

Firstly, you could see your big toe pointing more towards your other toes, rather than pointing straight forward. You may notice a very gradual change in alignment, often accompanied by noticeable prominence forming at the inside base of the big toe.

If you press on a bunion with your finger, you'll likely feel a bony protrusion that wasn't there before. When you stand, it may stick out more.

#2 - One Shoe Starts to Feel Different

Another possible sign is when one shoe begins to rub or feel uncomfortable. This is often more noticeable with narrower footwear or shoes with a pointed toe box. After extended wear, the area near the base of the big toe may appear red, feel sore, or be tender to the touch.

#3 - Your Foot Gets Wider

One of the early signs of bunions that’s easiest to spot is when the ball of your foot starts to spread out. It may cause changes in foot width, which could mean needing a slightly wider shoe or different size. Like we’ve said, these are super gradual changes, so it’s not always a given that you’ll make the mental connection. 

When Should I Go to a Chiropodist For a Bunion?

Ok, so you’ve noticed a bump and all of the evidence points to the fact that you do, indeed, have a bunion. The next question is - when do I go to a Chiropodist to sort it out? The easy answer is the sooner the better, as the longer you leave it, the more treatment you might need later.

Here’s what to watch for, with some practical cues to gauge whether it’s time to get professional advice:

Sign	Why You May Need to Act
Ongoing or worsening pain in your toe or joint	It’s telling you that the joint is under stress, and early treatment can help you avoid chronic issues.
The bump grows faster	When you see your bunion growing faster, it may lead to a harder fix.
You’re avoiding wearing certain shoes	When your foot changes shape enough to make you avoid shoes, it can also affect how you walk, potentially affecting your back, knees, hips and ankles.
Redness and swelling become frequent	If you’re getting inflammation like this, your body is telling you to see a chiropodist.

Even if none of these signs are causing you constant pain, they are enough reason to schedule a check-up. A chiropodist can assess progression, suggest gentle treatments like footwear adjustments or splints, and advise whether more active interventions are needed. 

Early attention like this may not just relieve your symptoms at the time - but could change the long-term outcome.

Don’t Ignore the Early Signs of Bunions 

Bunions are easy to ignore, as they’re not usually at the top of most people’s list of priorities - particularly when they don’t hurt. Small changes in your feet, like the ones we’ve covered, often suggest bigger things happening underneath. The longer you wait, the harder things may be to treat.

So, if you think you might have the beginnings of a bunion, don’t wait. Get in touch with our team today. Our experienced team is always ready to help.

¹ Roddy E, et al. Epidemiology and impact of hallux valgus: more than just bunions. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2011. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3102914/