Bunions are complex three-dimensional deformities that usually develop on the joint at the base of your big toe, although a bunion may also grow at the joint of your smallest toe. Bunions form when pressure or misalignment in your feet pushes your big toe toward the rest of your toes. The pressure on your joint leads to a buildup of extra bony tissue.
Conditions such as arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are associated with bunions. Wearing high heels or shoes that are too tight around your toes can exacerbate your bunion.
One of the first signs of a bunion is the appearance of calluses or blisters on the side of your toe or big toe joint. Over time, you’ll notice that the skin becomes red and shiny and the lump seems to grow larger. As they grow and develop, bunions cause significant foot pain and affect your ability to walk and stand. As the deformity progresses, it causes the rest of your foot to become unstable.