Prevention

A bunion (hallux valgus) is an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint). Proper footwear can help reduce the risk of bunions.

• Wear roomy shoes that have wide and deep toe boxes (the area that surrounds the toes), low or flat heels, and good arch supports. Avoid tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes that put pressure on the big toe joint. For more information, see:

  Foot problems: Finding the right shoes.

Preventing too much rolling inward of the foot (excessive pronation) during walking or running may help prevent bunions. Excessive foot pronation has been linked to bunion formation. You may be able to prevent excessive pronation by wearing supportive shoes or using arch supports. If you still have excessive pronation, your doctor may suggest that you have custom orthotic shoe inserts made for you.