What Is a Bunion? Dr Meghan Dares Explains Why They’re Often Misunderstood

Bunions are one of the most common foot conditions, particularly in women, but they’re also widely misunderstood. 

Many people think a bunion is simply “extra bone” growing on the side of the foot. According to Illawarra orthopaedic surgeon Dr Meghan Dares, that’s not actually what’s happening. 

“A bunion’s not just extra bone,” Dr Dares explains. “What it is, is a genetically inherited wider foot that progressively gets wider as you get older.” 

Bunions affect around 30% of Australian women and can gradually become more limiting over time, not only because of pain, but because of the impact they can have on mobility, comfort and footwear choices. 

Dr Meghan Dares speaking at Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group’s Wollongong clinic about bunions and modern foot and ankle treatment options.

What actually is a bunion?

A bunion develops at the big toe joint as the foot gradually widens and changes shape over time. 

Although many people notice the visible “bump” on the side of the foot, the condition itself is more complex than simply a growth of bone. 

Dr Dares says bunions are usually inherited. 

“Bunions happen because they’re inherited from your parents or your grandparents,” she says. “Lots of people get the bunion gene but don’t necessarily express it.” 

For some people, bunions remain mild throughout life. For others, the foot progressively changes shape over time, leading to discomfort and difficulty with everyday shoes. 

Why do bunions become painful?

While appearance can be part of the concern for some patients, bunions are often more limiting because of the effect they have on day-to-day comfort. 

“People often come to see me when the bunion becomes painful, when they’re no longer fitting into the shoes they want to wear, when it rubs against the other toe, or when they’re worried about how it may affect them as they get older,” Dr Dares says. 

Because the foot gradually becomes wider, many people find their footwear options become increasingly limited over time. Some also notice discomfort during walking, exercise or long periods on their feet. 

For older patients, concerns around balance, mobility and falls risk can also become part of the conversation. 

Do shoes cause bunions?

One of the most common misconceptions about bunions is that shoes are the primary cause. 

According to Dr Dares, genetics plays the biggest role. 

While certain footwear can aggravate symptoms or make bunions more uncomfortable, the underlying tendency is usually inherited. 

This is why bunions often run in families, although not everyone who inherits the tendency will develop a significant deformity. 

Are there non-surgical treatments for bunions?

There are a range of non-surgical options available, particularly for people with early bunions or mild symptoms. 

“There’s a whole variety of non-surgical options for bunions out there,” Dr Dares says, “but there’s not a lot that’s really evidence-based, except for an early bunion where orthotics, modification of shoes, and maybe some exercises might help with the pain.” 

Many people are able to manage symptoms for a period of time with wider footwear, activity modification or supportive devices. 

However, because bunions are generally progressive, some patients eventually seek specialist advice when pain or limitations begin affecting everyday life. 

How has bunion surgery changed?

For many people, perceptions around bunion surgery are shaped by stories from decades ago. 

Dr Dares says modern techniques are very different to older approaches. 

“Bunion surgery is a lot different to what it used to be 20 to 30 years ago,” she explains. 

Today, many bunion procedures are performed as day surgery, with patients typically able to walk immediately in a post-operative shoe. 

“Modern bunion surgery is done as a same-day procedure. You can walk straight away, and you’re back into shoes generally at around two to four weeks.” 

Recovery time and surgical techniques can vary depending on the individual patient and the severity of the bunion, but minimally invasive approaches have significantly changed the experience for many people. 

The biggest myth about bunion surgery

According to Dr Dares, one of the biggest misconceptions is that bunion surgery is extremely painful and difficult to recover from. 

“I think the biggest myth is that it’s a painful surgery that’s just not quite worth it,” she says. 

Modern approaches to bunion correction continue to evolve, with many patients surprised by how different the experience is compared to older perceptions of the procedure. 

Learn more about bunion treatment

Watch Dr Meghan Dares discuss bunions, common symptoms and modern treatment approaches in the video above. 

You can also read our complete guide to minimally invasive (keyhole) bunion surgery here. 

Need specialist advice?

If bunions are affecting your comfort, footwear choices or mobility, speaking with a specialist may help you better understand your options. 

To learn more about foot and ankle care at Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group, contact our team or speak with your GP about a referral.