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I've got unsightly bunions!
Bunions are hereditary so there's a chance you'll develop them - but not necessarily. They are caused by a structural deformity of the big toe joint where the bones move gradually out of alignment They mostly appear during the mid 20's and take years to progress into significant deformity. Poorly fitting shoes will make the condition worse but they do not cause it. Normally they develop on both feet. Signs to look for are: the big toe joint will look a little misshapen, there might be some swelling in the joint and the joint will be slightly diagonally off-centre. Sometimes the first sign is pain as the joint moves out of position.
If you do have a bunion podiatrists at Supplefeet can advise on measures to reduce discomfort this includes footwear advice and special insoles (orthotics). Surgery is the only way to manage the condition definitively. This involves realigning the bone and holding it in the new position with internal screws. Walking is limited for two weeks post-surgery, followed by four weeks in a trainer-style shoe. Total recovery can take up to six months, which is why it is only considered when the deformity becomes pronounced enough to start causing pain in sensible footwear. The surgery is generally day case and can be done under local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic. Bunions do not generally recur after surgery.