- The pain is severe or keeps getting worse.
- The lump becomes red, hot, or rapidly swollen.
- You have difficulty walking.
- The deformity is progressing.
- Home treatments don’t help after several weeks.
A healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy, prescription orthotics, corticosteroid injections (for certain conditions), or, in more severe cases of bunions, surgery to correct the alignment.
Bottom line: Not every lump on the side of the foot is a bunion. Getting the correct diagnosis is important, especially if the lump is growing, very painful, or associated with redness, fever, or numbness. Early treatment often helps relieve symptoms and may slow progression.
