Is My Bunion Getting Worse?
7 Signs to Watch

How to recognize changes in a bunion—and when to see a chiropodist in Whitby

A bunion may begin as a small bump at the base of your big toe. At first, you might only notice it in certain shoes. Over time, however, the joint may become more prominent, your big toe may change position or activities that were once comfortable may begin to hurt.

Because bunions usually change gradually, it can be hard to tell whether yours is progressing or you're simply experiencing a temporary flare-up.

A bunion may be getting worse if the bump is becoming more prominent, pain or swelling is increasing, the big toe is moving farther toward the second toe, footwear is becoming uncomfortable, or the condition is changing how you walk. A chiropodist can assess the joint, your foot mechanics and areas of pressure to help you manage the symptoms.

Here are seven changes worth watching.

Bunion symptoms at a glance

Common signs that a bunion is becoming more problematic include:

• Increasing pain at the base of the big toe
• Redness or swelling over the joint
• The big toe leaning farther toward the smaller toes
• Corns or calluses caused by rubbing and pressure
• Stiffness in the big-toe joint
• Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
• Changes in the way you stand or walk

The appearance of a bunion does not always reflect symptom severity. A relatively small bunion can be painful, while a more visible bunion may cause little discomfort.

What is a bunion?

A bunion, medically known as hallux valgus, is a change in the alignment of the joint at the base of the big toe.

As the big toe moves toward the smaller toes, the joint at its base becomes more prominent along the inside of the foot. The visible bump is therefore not simply extra skin or an isolated bone growth. It reflects a change in the position of the bones and joint.

Some bunions remain relatively comfortable for years. Others cause increasing pain, inflammation, stiffness and difficulty with footwear or walking.

What causes bunions?

Bunions rarely have one simple cause. Factors that may contribute include:

• Inherited foot shape or structure
• The way the feet function while standing and walking
• Joint instability
• Arthritis or inflammatory joint disease
• A previous foot injury
• Footwear that repeatedly crowds or pressures the toes

Narrow or pointed shoes don't necessarily cause every bunion, but they can add pressure to an existing deformity and make symptoms worse.

If bunions run in your family, you may have inherited a foot shape or structure that makes them more likely to develop.

How can you tell if a bunion is getting worse?

1. The bump is becoming more prominent

An increase in the size or prominence of the joint is one of the most visible signs of change.

Because this usually happens gradually, it may be difficult to notice from day to day. Comparing your feet, or occasionally taking a photograph from the same angle, can make changes easier to recognize.

Keep in mind that size and pain don't always match. A smaller bunion can be quite uncomfortable, while a larger one may cause relatively few symptoms.

2. Your big toe is moving closer to the second toe

As the alignment changes, the big toe may begin leaning farther toward the smaller toes.

It may eventually press against, move underneath or overlap the second toe. This can create additional friction and pressure between the toes.

Changes in the big toe's position can also affect the smaller toes. They may begin to crowd, curl or change position as space becomes more limited.

3. Pain, redness or swelling is becoming more frequent

Bunion discomfort may initially occur only after a long day, increased activity or wearing a particular pair of shoes.

As the condition becomes more symptomatic, pain may begin sooner, last longer or occur during ordinary daily activities.

You may notice:

• Aching at the base of the big toe
• Tenderness when the joint is touched
• Redness or inflammation over the bump
• Pain while standing or walking
• Discomfort beneath the ball of the foot
• Stiffness in the big-toe joint

An increase in symptoms does not always mean that the bunion has visibly changed. Footwear pressure, increased activity and changes in how your weight moves across the foot can also cause a temporary flare-up.

Persistent or recurring symptoms are still worth assessing.

4. Shoes that used to fit are becoming uncomfortable

A bunion can widen the forefoot, making previously comfortable shoes feel tight.

You may notice:

• Pressure directly over the bunion
• Rubbing or redness along the side of the joint
• Crowding around the toes
• Numbness or irritation in certain shoes
• Blisters, corns or calluses caused by friction

Continually buying longer shoes may not solve the problem if the shape still doesn't match your foot. A wider, deeper toe box is usually more helpful than extra length alone.

Your footwear should accommodate your foot without pressing the big toe inward or rubbing against the prominent joint.

5. The big-toe joint is becoming stiff

Your big toe helps your body move forward when you walk. If the joint becomes painful or restricted, pushing off through the front of the foot may become more difficult.

You may start:

• Taking shorter steps
• Turning your foot outward
• Moving weight toward the outside of the foot
• Avoiding pressure through the big toe
• Walking more slowly or cautiously

These adaptations may reduce discomfort temporarily, but they can place additional pressure on other areas of the foot.

A chiropodist can examine joint movement and determine whether pain, stiffness, foot mechanics, or another condition is affecting how you walk.

6. Corns or calluses keep returning

Changes in toe position and pressure can cause thickened skin to develop:

• Over the bunion
• Between the first and second toes
• On smaller toes that rub against footwear
• Beneath the ball of the foot

A corn or callus can indicate where repeated pressure is occurring. Removing the thickened skin without addressing the source of that pressure may provide only temporary relief.

Brooklin Foot & Orthotic Clinic provides professional corn and callus treatment in Whitby and can assess whether a bunion, footwear or another foot concern is contributing to the problem.

If you have diabetes, reduced sensation or circulation concerns, do not use medicated corn-removal products without professional advice. These products can damage the healthy skin surrounding the area.

7. The bunion is affecting your normal activities

One of the clearest signs that a bunion deserves attention is when it begins influencing your choices.

You may find yourself:

• Avoiding longer walks
• Changing your exercise routine
• Declining activities involving prolonged standing
• Limiting yourself to one or two pairs of shoes
• Experiencing foot pain during work
• Walking differently to protect the joint
• Planning your day around your foot discomfort

You do not need to wait until the pain becomes severe. If the bunion is beginning to restrict your mobility or enjoyment of everyday activities, an assessment can help you understand your options.

Is my bunion progressing or simply irritated?

A painful week doesn't necessarily mean the underlying deformity has suddenly worsened.

Symptoms can flare after:

• Wearing tight or unfamiliar shoes
• Spending more time standing
• Increasing your walking or exercise
• Developing a blister, corn or callus
• Irritating the joint
• Changing activities or footwear

Progression is more likely when you notice a lasting change in the position of the toe, the prominence of the joint, joint movement or the fit of your footwear.

A chiropodist can compare these findings with your symptoms and determine whether the bunion itself is changing or whether surrounding pressure and irritation are causing the recent discomfort.

What does a chiropodist assess?

A bunion assessment may include:

• The position of the big toe and joint
• The movement available at the big-toe joint
• The location and severity of your pain
• Foot structure and alignment
• How your feet function while standing and walking
• Areas of excessive pressure
• Corns, calluses or skin irritation
• Your usual footwear
• The effect of the bunion on your mobility and daily activities

This assessment helps determine whether your symptoms may benefit from footwear changes, pressure relief, foot care, orthotics, mobility treatment or another approach.

Chiropodists in Ontario assess and treat musculoskeletal conditions and inherited or acquired deformities affecting the feet. If your symptoms require imaging, a surgical opinion or care outside the scope of chiropody, an appropriate referral may be recommended.

Can a bunion be corrected without surgery?

Non-surgical care cannot remove a bunion or permanently return the joint to its original position. Surgery is the only way to correct the underlying bony alignment.

However, many people manage their symptoms without surgery.

Depending on your assessment, conservative care may include:

• Footwear with sufficient width and toe room
• Padding to reduce friction over the joint
• Toe spacers or supports when appropriate
• Professional treatment of related corns and calluses
• Activity modifications during painful flare-ups
• A wrapped cold pack for short-term symptom relief, when safe for your circulation and sensation
• Joint-mobility or exercise recommendations
• Custom orthotics when foot mechanics or pressure distribution are contributing to discomfort
• Foot Mobilization Therapy when clinically appropriate

The appropriate treatment depends on your symptoms, foot structure, joint movement and activity needs—not solely on how the bunion looks.

Learn more about bunion assessment and treatment in Whitby.

Can custom orthotics help with bunion pain?

Custom-made orthotics do not remove a bunion or permanently straighten the big toe.

When prescribed after a complete assessment, they may help redistribute pressure, support foot function, and reduce discomfort associated with how the foot moves.

Orthotics are not automatically necessary for everyone with a bunion. A chiropodist should first assess whether foot mechanics are contributing to your symptoms and whether orthotics are an appropriate part of your treatment plan.

Can Foot Mobilization Therapy help?

Foot Mobilisation Therapy is a hands-on treatment intended to improve movement in the joints of the feet and ankles.

When clinically appropriate, it may address stiffness, improve joint mobility, and help manage discomfort around a bunion. It does not make the underlying bony prominence disappear, and results depend on the structure and flexibility of the individual foot.

Your chiropodist can determine whether Foot Mobilization Therapy is suitable for your condition or whether another approach would be more appropriate.

When is bunion surgery considered?

A surgical consultation may be considered when bunion pain remains persistent, substantially affects daily life and has not responded adequately to conservative treatment.

Bunion surgery is intended to improve pain and function—not simply to make the foot look different.

Several procedures can correct a bunion. The appropriate approach depends on factors such as:

• The position of the bones
• The severity of the deformity
• The condition and movement of the joint
• The presence of arthritis
• Your general health and activity needs

Not everyone with a bunion requires surgery. An assessment can help you determine whether continued conservative care or a surgical opinion is appropriate.

When should you see a chiropodist about a bunion?

Consider booking a foot assessment when:

• The joint is regularly painful, red or swollen
• Pain keeps returning
• The bunion is making footwear difficult
• The big toe is pressing against or overlapping another toe
• Corns or calluses repeatedly develop
• The joint is becoming stiff
• You are changing the way you walk
• Foot pain is limiting work, exercise or everyday activities
• You are unsure whether the problem is actually a bunion
• You have diabetes, reduced sensation or circulation concerns

Seek prompt medical attention if your foot suddenly becomes hot, severely swollen, or very painful, particularly if you have diabetes, recently injured your foot, or feel generally unwell.

Frequently asked questions about bunions

Take the next step toward healthier feet

You do not need to wait until a bunion prevents you from enjoying your normal activities.

An assessment can help you understand what is changing, what may be contributing to the discomfort and which treatment options are appropriate for your feet.

Brooklin Foot & Orthotic Clinic provides bunion assessments and foot care for patients from Brooklin, Whitby, Ajax, Oshawa and throughout Durham Region.

Call 905-425-FEET (3338) or request an appointment online.

Clinically reviewed by Janet Yu, D.Ch., Lead Chiropodist. Published September 2026.

Medical and professional references

• College of Chiropodists of Ontario: Foot Health
• College of Chiropodists of Ontario: About Chiropodists and Podiatrists
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Bunions
• NHS: Bunions