Bunions — big toe joint deformity
A bony bump at the base of the big toe rarely appears overnight — it grows slowly, and shoes start to fit differently before it truly hurts.
What it is
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe as the joint shifts and the toe angles inward toward the others. Heredity and years in narrow or ill-fitting shoes are the most common contributors.
Left alone, the bump tends to enlarge gradually, and the toe's position can keep shifting over time.
Common symptoms
- A visible bump at the base of the big toe
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness over the joint
- Pain or restricted movement, especially in narrow shoes
How Dr. Feldman treats it
Most bunions start with non-surgical care: wider, properly fitted shoes, padding, and activity adjustments to reduce pressure on the joint.
When a bunion keeps progressing or conservative measures no longer bring relief, Dr. Feldman offers surgical correction — including minimally invasive techniques with smaller incisions — to realign the toe and relieve pain.
Ready to get back on your feet?
Request an appointment online, or call the office — we see patients in Bethesda and Germantown.