National Bunion Day!

April 15, 2025 marks the second-annual U.S. National Bunion Day™ and I am excited to use the day as an opportunity to dismantle the stigma surrounding the condition, correct misinformation and educate the Phoenix community about the latest treatment options that can correct the deformity and get patients back to the lifestyles they enjoy—without an embarrassing and painful bump on their big toe.

There is a common misconception that a bunion is a callous or growth of extra bone on the side of the toe. However, the condition is caused by an unstable joint in the middle of the foot that allows the bone to drift out of alignment, resulting in a noticeable bump on the side of the big toe. Bunions are a complex and progressive condition that affects about one in four American adults[1]. The condition frequently runs in families and can affect someone regardless of their age, gender, shoe choice or lifestyle[2],[3]. Many people with bunions experience pain, pressure or stiffness — the condition can restrict the types of activities people are able to participate in and limit the types of shoes they can wear[4],[5] .

Many people with bunions assume they have to learn to live with foot pain, but modern treatment options can address the underlying cause of bunions and provide long-term relief. In the past, surgical bunion treatments were associated with long recovery processes and highly variable outcomes.6-8*

Over the last several years, more options have become available, providing patients with customized approaches for treatment that can restore foot alignment and mobility. It is incredibly fulfilling to be able to offer effective treatment options to patients who have suffered from bunion pain for months or even years and watch them return to the activities they love, including running, dancing, or simply walking without bunion pain.

Recognizing the early symptoms of a bunion is critical to avoiding long-term discomfort and mobility issues. I advise individuals to monitor their foot health for the following symptoms and consult with a specialist if they experience: