If you’ve noticed a bump forming at the base of your big toe, you’re not alone. Bunions affect millions of people worldwide, and one of the first questions that comes up is: Will my bunion get worse over time? The short answer is yes, bunions are progressive. But there are steps you can take today to slow down that progression and keep your feet comfortable — often without surgery.
Understanding Bunions: A Progressive Condition
A bunion is more than just a bump on your foot. It’s a gradual misalignment of the joint at the base of the big toe. As the toe drifts inward, the joint protrudes outward, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty finding shoes that fit. Left unmanaged, bunions typically worsen, although the speed varies for each person.
FootHealthFacts)
Why Bunions Usually Get Worse
Genetics – If bunions run in your family, chances are higher that you’ll develop one.
Catholic Health SystemFootwear Choices – Narrow or high-heeled shoes don’t cause bunions outright, but they can certainly speed up progression by adding pressure to the joint.
Marie Claire- Daily Stress on the Feet – Long hours of standing, walking, or running in unsupportive footwear can irritate the joint and increase pain.
New England Foot & Ankle
What You Can Do to Slow Progression (But Not Reverse It)
While there’s no way to reverse a bunion without surgery, there are many ways to manage symptoms and slow down its worsening. This is where smart lifestyle choices and non-invasive supports like Bunion Bootie come in.
Supportive Footwear
Choose shoes with wide toe boxes and low heels to reduce pressure on the bunion.Protective Pads and Splints
Cushioning can help prevent irritation from shoe rubbing. A flexible, ultra-thin option like Bunion Bootie not only cushions but also helps gently support the toe in better alignment — and it fits inside nearly any shoe.
FootHealthFacts- Orthotics and Inserts
Custom or over-the-counter orthotics redistribute pressure across the foot, reducing discomfort during walking and running.
University of Chicago Medicine - At-Home Care
Simple strategies like icing the joint, taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and doing gentle stretches can keep flare-ups under control.
Allure
When Conservative Measures Aren’t Enough
If your bunion pain interferes with daily life, it may be time to consult a podiatrist. In some cases, surgery is recommended to realign the bones and restore function.
Traditional Surgery – Often involves cutting and realigning bone, with recovery lasting weeks to months.
FootHealthFacts- Advanced Techniques (such as Lapiplasty®) – These newer methods correct the bunion in three dimensions, offering lower recurrence rates and quicker recovery.
NY Post
Where Bunion Bootie Fits In
Dr. Emily Splichal recommended Bunion Bootie as a sleek and sexy way to treat bunions. Also referring to bunions as being “one of the most misunderstood conditions,” pointing out that while people commonly think the condition occurs when a lump appears on the side of the foot, it actually happens when the long bone in the foot deviates and shifts the large toe to the side, creating a bump.
Splichal recommended the Bunion Bootie as a gentler, less invasive method of bunion treatment — she even ventured so far as to call the bootie “sexy.”
“One of the best treatments for [bunions] that is sleek, a little sexy — if you could call that sexy — is the Bunion Bootie,” Splichal said on the Rachael Ray show.
Dr. Splichal emphasized that the splint can only prevent a bunion from progressing, not reverse the condition.
“I tell my patients this is like pushing pause on your bunion,” she said. “This is not going to reverse your bunion, but it’s like pushing pause.” Click to watch the video.
While surgery is the only way to permanently correct a bunion, most people prefer to avoid it unless absolutely necessary. That’s where Bunion Bootie helps bridge the gap. Unlike bulky splints that can’t be worn in shoes, Bunion Bootie is:
Ultra-thin (just 0.4mm) and flexible, so it slips easily into sneakers, heels, or sandals.
Designed to gently encourage proper toe alignment throughout the day.
Comfortable enough to wear all day — or even while sleeping.
Available in multiple sizes for a truly custom fit.
It’s no wonder Bunion Bootie has been trusted by active moms, athletes, and professionals since 2011. For many, it’s the go-to conservative option that keeps bunion pain under control while delaying or avoiding surgery altogether.
Final Thoughts
Bunions don’t disappear on their own — and yes, they typically worsen over time. But by making smart footwear choices, using supports like Bunion Bootie, and staying consistent with at-home care, you can slow progression and keep your feet comfortable for years to come.
If you’re looking for a natural, non-invasive way to manage bunion pain and maintain your active lifestyle, Bunion Bootie is a solution worth trying before considering surgery.