Bunion is a bony deformity that occurs at the joint at the base of the big toe. This deformity causes the joint of the big toe to enlarge, causing the big toe to squeeze in with the other toes. Bunions can occur at any age, from childhood to adulthood, and can also occur on the little toe joint (this lesion is also known as a little toe bunion). Although bunions usually require very formal treatment, you may need to see a doctor if you have: 1) persistent pain in the bunion or foot 2) significant swelling of the big toe joint 3) decreased range of motion and ability to move the bunion or foot 4) difficulty finding shoes that fit because the foot is so deformed. A doctor can often diagnose a bunion by looking at your foot. During the examination, the doctor may also ask you to move your bunion up and down to determine the degree of restriction of movement. In addition, the doctor will also look for signs of redness, swelling and pain in the affected area. After a direct examination, the doctor may also ask you to take an x-ray of your foot, which will help him or her determine the cause of the bunion and assess its severity. Bunions do not go away on their own unless you undergo surgery to correct them. If the bursa that protects the affected joint becomes infected (i.e., bursitis occurs), the area can be very painful and interfere with your normal activities. If a bunion is not treated promptly, it tends to get bigger and more painful over time, making non-surgical treatment much less effective. If you want to prevent bunions from occurring, the most important thing is to avoid wearing shoes that don’t fit your feet. You need to make sure that your shoes are not squeezing or rubbing on your toes. Wearing the right shoes is especially important for people who have a family history of flat feet or foot weakness, for example.