HEALTH TOPICS 
Bunion
What Is It?
A bunion is a firm bump that forms over a bony bulge at the base of the big toe. In most cases, the big toe joint also is enlarged and has degenerative arthritis. The toe also may be pushed toward the second toe (hallux valgus). Bunions are often painful, especially when wearing stiff shoes that press on the bump.
Bunions tend to be inherited, but they also are common in the following groups:
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