If you’ve noticed a bony bump forming near the base of your big toe, chances are you’ve got a bunion. Maybe it’s just a small bump for now. Maybe it’s been there for years. Either way, you might be wondering: Is this something I need to worry about?

The short answer? Not always—but sometimes, yes.
Let’s walk through the signs that it’s time to take a bunion seriously.

What Is a Bunion, Exactly?

A bunion forms when the bones in the front of your foot shift out of place. Over time, this causes the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out. That bump you see? It’s actually part of the joint being pushed outward.

Bunions can be mild or severe—and they often get worse if left untreated.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Here are a few clear signs it’s time to stop ignoring your bunion:

1. Pain That Doesn’t Go Away

If your bunion hurts even when you’re not walking or standing, it’s more than a cosmetic issue. Persistent pain is your body’s way of saying something isn’t right.

2. Trouble Wearing Shoes

Struggling to find shoes that fit comfortably around the bunion? That means your foot mechanics are being affected—and it could get worse without support or treatment.

3. Swelling or Redness Around the Joint

Inflammation, irritation, or visible changes in the skin around your bunion could mean the joint is under stress. This is common in later stages and usually doesn’t improve on its own.

4. Changes in How You Walk

Bunions can change your gait, or how you walk, which puts extra pressure on other parts of your feet, knees, or hips. If you’re limping or shifting weight to avoid pain, it’s time for an evaluation.

5. The Bunion Is Getting Bigger

Bunions don’t shrink on their own. If you notice it growing, that’s a sign of progression—and the earlier we catch it, the easier it is to manage.

What Can Be Done About It?

The good news? You don’t have to wait until surgery is the only option.
There are non-surgical treatments that can slow progression and reduce pain, including:

• Custom orthotics

• Padding and shoe modifications

• Stretching exercises

• Anti-inflammatory treatments

• Laser therapy for inflammation

And if surgery does become the best path forward, there are modern, minimally invasive options that can correct the deformity and help you get back on your feet faster.

Bottom Line

If your bunion is painful, interfering with your life, or clearly getting worse—it’s time to get it checked out. You don’t have to suffer or “just live with it.”

At Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH, we’ll examine your foot, explain your options clearly, and build a plan that fits your lifestyle—whether that’s conservative care or surgical correction.

Book a visit with us, and let’s take care of that bunion before it gets in the way of the things you love.