Bunions

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe. Bunions develop on the inside edge of your big toe joint — the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The MTP joint is where the base of your big toe meets your foot. The medical term for bunions is hallux valgus.

Visit a healthcare provider if you notice a bump on your big toe, especially if you’re experiencing pain, stiffness or numbness in your toes or feet.

Types of bunions

Bunions on your big toe from extra pressure are the most common, but they can form on other toes and for other reasons, too. Other types of bunions include:

• Congenital bunions (congenital hallux valgus): Some babies are born with bunions.
• Juvenile or adolescent hallux valgus: These are types of bunions that affect people younger than 18.
• Tailor’s bunion (bunionettes): Tailor’s bunions form at the base of your little (pinky) toe. They’re usually the result of wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly or doing an activity that presses your little toe in toward your other toes.

How common are bunions?

Bunions are very common. Experts estimate that around one-third of Americans have bunions.