A bunion is a lump that develops at the base of your big toe, where the joint meets the ball of your foot. The problem begins when the metatarsal bone behind the joint comes under pressure, forcing it to project out to the side and form a bony lump.

Bunions are more likely to affect you if you wear high-heeled shoes that add extra stress to the joint. Other factors that increase your risk of developing bunions include:

• Big toe that angles inward
• Family history of bunions
• Poor foot structure
• Arthritis in your feet
• Different length legs

In their earlier stages, bunions are more unsightly than anything else, but they become increasingly painful as they develop. Wearing shoes can be particularly uncomfortable as the bunions press into the side of the shoe, which worsens the inflammation.

The skin over your bunion gets tighter, redder, and shinier, and can be tender to touch, too. Left untreated, bunions can become so painful that it’s difficult to walk.

A hammertoe is a deformity where one of the smaller toes (usually the second, third, or fourth) bends downward at the middle joint, making the toe look like a hammer. Over time, hammertoes can stiffen and become rigid, leading to corns, discomfort, and balance issues.

Both conditions are progressive — meaning they get worse without treatment — but they’re manageable with the right care.