A bunion doesn’t just change the way your foot looks—it can change the way you move, the shoes you wear, and even how comfortable you feel going about your day. What may start as a small bump near the big toe can gradually become a noticeable deformity that affects both the appearance and function of your foot.
Understanding what a bunion looks like, how it develops, and when it deserves attention is the first step toward protecting your foot health. Below, we’ll walk through the most common visual signs of bunions, what they mean, and when it may be time to seek care from a Centerville podiatrist at Sunshein Podiatry.
Is Redness and Swelling Normal With Bunions?
Yes, redness and swelling are common visual signs associated with bunions. Because the bony prominence rubs against shoes, the surrounding soft tissue can become irritated and inflamed. This irritation often leads to redness, tenderness, and swelling around the joint. During flare-ups, the area may look puffy or feel warm to the touch, especially after long periods of standing or walking.
Do Bunions Cause Calluses or Thickened Skin?
Bunions often lead to the development of calluses or thickened skin. As the foot’s alignment changes, pressure points shift, causing friction in new areas. Many people notice hardened skin over the bunion itself or underneath the ball of the foot. Calluses can also form where the big toe rubs against the second toe, further changing the appearance of the foot and sometimes adding to discomfort.
Can a Bunion Affect the Shape of My Toes?
A bunion does more than create a bump; it can alter the overall shape of your toes. As the big toe leans inward, it may crowd or overlap the second toe. Over time, this misalignment can contribute to other toe deformities, such as hammertoes. The toes may appear crooked or compressed, and the forefoot can look wider than normal, making shoes harder to fit comfortably.
How Can I Tell if a Bunion Is Forming Early?
In the early stages, a bunion may not look dramatic. You might notice a slight bump at the base of the big toe or mild redness after wearing certain shoes. The big toe may start to angle inward just a little, even if there is minimal pain. Catching these subtle visual changes early is important, as early intervention from a Centerville podiatrist can help slow progression and reduce symptoms.
Are Bunions Always Painful?
Not all bunions are painful, especially in the early stages. Some people notice the visual changes long before discomfort begins. However, even painless bunions can worsen over time, leading to increased inflammation, calluses, and joint stiffness. Addressing a bunion early, even if it does not hurt yet, can help prevent future pain and more noticeable deformity.
When Does a Bunion Require Medical Attention?
A bunion requires medical attention when it becomes painful, limits daily activities, or shows increasing redness and swelling. If the bump grows larger, the big toe continues to shift, or calluses and skin irritation worsen, it is time to seek professional care. Persistent pain, difficulty finding comfortable shoes, or changes in how you walk are also signs that a podiatrist should evaluate your foot.
A podiatrist can assess the severity of your bunion and explain what is happening beneath the surface of the joint. Treatment often begins with conservative options, such as recommending supportive footwear, custom orthotics, padding, or anti-inflammatory measures to reduce redness and swelling. In more advanced cases, a podiatrist can discuss medical or surgical options to correct the deformity and improve the foot’s appearance and function.
At Sunshein Podiatry, bunion care is never one-size-fits-all. Our team takes the time to understand how your bunion is affecting your daily life, then uses advanced diagnostic technology to identify the root cause of the deformity—not just the visible bump. From precisely crafted custom orthotics to guidance on long-term joint protection, our goal is to slow progression, relieve discomfort, and help you stay active.
Seeing a Centerville podiatrist at Sunshein Podiatry ensures you receive personalized, forward-thinking care designed around your lifestyle, your feet, and your long-term mobility—so bunions don’t dictate how you live your life.