Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, which can become painful and make footwear uncomfortable. At Aligna Podiatry in Balwyn North we assess your lower limb biomechanics to understand why the bunion is developing, then use custom orthotics, footwear advice and high-power laser therapy where needed to reduce pain, slow its progression and keep you comfortable. Book a bunion assessment today.
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. It develops when the big toe gradually drifts toward the smaller toes, which pushes the joint out to the side.
Bunions form slowly over time. They are often driven by the way your foot moves and loads, and they can run in families. Tight or narrow footwear does not usually cause a bunion on its own, but it can speed things up and make an existing bunion more painful.
Once a bunion has formed it does not go away on its own. The aim of treatment is to reduce pain, take pressure off the joint and slow how quickly it progresses.
How it can show up:
- A visible bump on the side of the big toe joint
- Pain or tenderness around the joint, especially in shoes
- Redness or swelling over the bump
- The big toe leaning toward the other toes
- Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
If a bunion is painful or getting worse, it is worth getting assessed early rather than waiting.
Signs, symptoms & when to see a podiatrist
Common signs:
- A bony bump at the base of the big toe
- Pain or tenderness around the joint
- Redness, swelling or hard skin over the bump
- The big toe drifting toward the smaller toes
- Shoes feeling tight or rubbing on the bump
See a podiatrist if:
- The bunion is painful or getting worse
- It is making footwear uncomfortable
- The big toe is drifting further out of line
- You are developing hard skin or corns over the joint
- It is starting to affect the way you walk
A bunion will not correct itself, so early assessment gives you the best chance of keeping it comfortable and slowing its progression. Getting it looked at early can help you avoid the more advanced problems that bunions can lead to.
How we treat bunion pain at Aligna
We start by understanding why the bunion is developing, then build a plan to reduce pain and take pressure off the joint.
Step 1: Assess your lower limb biomechanics
We look at how your foot moves and loads as you stand and walk. This tells us what is driving the bunion and helps us take pressure off the joint to slow how quickly it progresses.
Step 2: Reduce pressure and pain
Where it is needed, we use custom orthotics to improve how your foot loads and take strain off the big toe joint. We also give tailored footwear advice and can treat any hard skin or corns that build up over the bump.
Step 3: Settle pain and inflammation
If the joint is painful or inflamed, we use high-power laser therapy to reduce pain and stimulate healing, helping you stay comfortable and active.
Our aim is to reduce pain, take pressure off the joint and slow the bunion’s progression.
Recovery & rehab
What to expect
A bunion is managed rather than reversed without surgery, so the focus is on keeping you comfortable and slowing its progression. Many people notice real relief within a few weeks of the right support and footwear changes.
Why ongoing management matters
A bunion develops because of the way your foot loads, so simply resting does not change it. Lasting comfort comes from taking pressure off the joint, supporting how your foot moves and choosing the right footwear.
How we help you stay comfortable:
- Custom orthotics to improve how your foot loads
- Footwear advice to reduce pressure on the joint
- Care for any hard skin or corns over the bump
- A lower limb biomechanics review to guide your plan
- Advice on when a surgical opinion may be worth considering
With the right support most people keep their bunion comfortable and slow how quickly it progresses. If a bunion becomes severe, we can guide you on when a referral for a surgical opinion may be appropriate.
This page was prepared and reviewed by our podiatrists Dr Emilia Arif Stephen (POD0002562365) and Dr Justine Jose (POD0002903648). It is general information only and does not replace an individual assessment. Please book an appointment for a thorough assessment. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Summary
Our goal is simple: to reduce your bunion pain, keep you comfortable and slow how quickly it progresses.
At Aligna Podiatry we don’t just treat the bump. We assess your lower limb biomechanics to understand why the bunion is developing and how it affects the way your foot loads, then address the root cause rather than just the symptom.
Your treatment plan is built around you, combining custom orthotics and footwear advice with high-power laser therapy where it is needed to settle pain and keep you comfortable for the long term.
Whether your bunion causes the odd ache in certain shoes or has started to affect the way you walk, we’re here to help you restore alignment and move better.
Book your appointment in Balwyn North
Struggling with chronic heel pain, tendon pain or another stubborn injury?
Our experienced team at Aligna Podiatry in Balwyn North takes a holistic, whole-body approach to treating the foot, ankle and knee. We combine high-power laser therapy, shockwave with hands-on care, cupping and rehab to reduce pain and restore alignment and movement. Contact our Balwyn North clinic today to book an assessment and find out which treatment is right for you.