Individuals with a bunion will experience a bulging lump that protrudes from the base of the big toe; swelling, redness, and soreness; skin thickening on the joint; corns or calluses at the place where the big toe and second toe overlap; and restricted big toe movement. Wearing constrictive shoes may cause—or irritate—bunions. They can also occur as a result of an inherited defect, arthritis, or stress on the foot. If persistent pain occurs with a bunion, medical attention may be necessary. While most instances of bunions are relatively harmless, they may lead to bursitis, hammertoe, or metatarsalgia, which causes pain and swelling in the ball of the foot. Bunion treatment typically consists of changing shoes; padding, taping, or splinting; taking over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen; and icing. If symptoms do not improve with non-surgical treatment, surgery may be necessary. Bunion surgery may involve removing swollen tissue, removing part of the bone or realigning the bone to straighten the big toe, or permanently joining the bones of the joint. While some patients can walk immediately following bunion surgery, others may not be able to for several weeks. Following surgery, proper shoe wear is imperative in ensuring bunions don’t come back.