Bunions are fairly common — one-third of Americans have them, and it’s possible to have a bunion and not even know it.

But sometimes bunions can be a real pain in the foot. They can cause stiffness and swelling and lead to other more serious problems. When that happens, it’s time to seek help.

We asked a bunion experts at Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute, part of Jefferson Health, for their best tips on how to find relief.

What are bunions?

A bunion is a bony bump that sticks out from the side of your foot at the base of the big toe.

The word bunion comes from the Greek word for turnip — perhaps because a bunion can look swollen and reddish.

What causes bunions?

“The common wisdom is that women get bunions because they spend too much time in narrow-toed high heels,” says Brian Stahl, DPM, a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon with LVPG Podiatry–Hecktown Oaks.

“Tight shoes can certainly be a contributing factor,” he says, “but bunions can be caused by anything that puts extra pressure on your big toe joint, such as the way you walk, standing for a long time and even some health conditions.”

Heredity or previous foot injuries also can be a factor, Dr. Stahl says.

The condition is most common in older adults, particularly women, but men get them too, and so do adolescents

When should I see a doctor?

Elliot Busch, DPM, a podiatrist and reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon who practices at LVPG Podiatry–Carbon, LVPG Podiatry–Independence Road in East Stroudsburg and LVPG Podiatry–Station Circle in Hazle Township, lists the common problems that can arise from bunions: pain at the toe joint or in the ball of the foot, stiffness, restricted motion and difficulty wearing shoes or walking.

“Bunions develop slowly, but they often get worse over time. When the big toe begins to press on the other toes, that can lead to additional problems,” Dr. Busch says.

What can be done for my bunions?

Sometimes it’s as simple as switching to roomier shoes, or having your existing shoes stretched.

Other times, ice, mild pain relievers, splints and physical therapy may provide relief.

Do I need surgery?

Most people with bunions don’t need surgery, says Daniel Farber, MD, an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon with LVPG Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

But when symptoms are severe and nonsurgical treatments don’t work, surgery should be considered.

“Surgery involves realigning the bones of the foot and relieving the stress on the ligaments, tendons and nerves,” Dr. Farber says. “New techniques and minimally invasive procedures can make it easier on patients by improving their comfort, speeding up recovery and reducing stiffness after surgery,” he says.

How to seek treatment?

If bunions are causing pain or concern, see Dr. Busch at LVPG Podiatry–Lehighton, 2226 Blakeslee Blvd. Drive East, Suite 200, Lehighton.

Please visit LVHN.org/carbon for more information.