Many people develop bunions during their lifetime. Bunions more commonly occur on women but may also develop on men. Bunions appear as a swelling or enlargement of the joint on the outside of the foot at the base of the big toe. Bunions usually enlarge gradually. There may be swelling, redness, and deep, throbbing pain. Bunions are often inherited. A person who develops bunions often has a foot imbalance which requires evaluation. The bone, joints, and ligaments of the foot lose their proper alignment allowing the forefoot to widen and the big toe to drift towards the second toe. As the bunion deformity progressed arthritis develops in the big toe joint. The deformity may become so severe that the joint may not function properly. It is important to note that shoe gear does not cause the bunion but can often aggrivate the condition especially when the shoe rubs the big toe joint. Bunions are a complex deformity to diagnose and treat. Treatment may consist of padding, shoe gear changes, excercises, orthotics, and surgery. It would be best to have Dr. Sextro, Dr. Larsen and Dr. Bandel thoroughly evaluate your bunion deformity to recommend treatment and prevent worsening of the deformity.