A “bunion” is usually an inherited deformity.  In over 90% of patients suffering from bunion pain, there is a family history of similar deformities.  Bunions are progressive, bony foot deformities, and in most cases, treatment consists of surgical repair.  Temporary pain relief can be obtained with wider shoes, thus keeping pressure away from the bone surfaces, but as time goes on the joint can become further displaced, enlarged, or stiff causing chronic pain.  When these conditions manifest themselves, surgery is usually the only cure.  Improper footgear only irritates the underlying deformity; it is not the primary cause of the problem and pain.

Simple removal of the enlarged bone that forms from the chronic dislocations is usually not enough, since pain is secondary to the joint restriction or dislocation.  Surgical procedures where the bones are straightened and allowed to heal over a period of time are usually the most successful in long term pain relief.