Painful enlargement in the big toe is known as bunions. In it the big toe points toward the second toe. The enlargement is like bony protrusions and is not similar to the corns in feet.

Most of the bunions might be inherited. It can also be caused by shoes that are too narrow across the front and also by narrow-toed and high-heeled shoes. The problem is mainly seen with women’s dress shoes.

If not treated early, an extra bone and a fluid-filled sac develop in the big toe. Chronic foot pain, stiff foot and foot deformity are some of the other complications. Bunions are quite different from calluses.

The ideal solution for this is to buy shoes with sufficiently large toe boxes. This solves the problem completely. The bunion can be protected by felt or foam pads. Devices to separate the first and second toes at night are also available at drugstores. In worst cases, bunionectomy is the only solution.