What to do when Bunions hurt? Can Bunion Inflammation be Prevented? Bunions are a common pathology that can cause discomfort and affect quality of life. In Europe, up to 30% of the population lives with bunions. Understanding the nature of bunions and the causes of their inflammation is key to taking care of the health of your feet.
What are bunions?
Bunions, also known as hallux valgus, are bony protrusions that can develop at the base of the big toe. They form when the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe loses its alignment, causing the toe to bend toward the second toe. Over time, this deviation leads to the formation of a bony bump on the side of the foot near the big toe. There is also a related condition called bunionette, or tailor’s bunion, which is a bunion on the outside of the fifth toe. In this article, we will refer to bunions of the big toe. These bony protrusions can vary in size and severity. For some, bunions may be painless and cause only cosmetic concerns, but for others, bunions can be painful and limit mobility. It is important to note that bunions can progress and worsen over time if left untreated. Early intervention and proper management can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further progression. If you suspect you have a bunion, it is wise to consult with our bunion experts for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
Inflamed bunions: causes and symptoms
Most people only think of a bunion as a bony bump on the outside of the foot. However, there is much more going on beneath the surface. The metatarsals (long bones of the foot) put pressure on the surrounding soft tissues and ligaments of the foot, which can result in swelling and pain. While some people do not experience painful symptoms of bunions, the pain and discomfort of swollen bunions can interfere with daily activities.
What causes inflammation in bunions?
Inflamed bunions can occur due to a variety of factors. The main cause is deviation of the big toe that puts pressure on the surrounding tissue. The bony bump of a bunion can also be irritated by rubbing against tight, narrow shoes or being compressed in high-heeled, narrow-toed shoes. This pressure and friction can irritate the skin and potentially inflame the tissues around the big toe joint. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are also at increased risk for bunion inflammation. This is because their joints are already prone to inflammation.
What are the treatment options for inflamed bunions?
female feet with bunion
At Clínica San Román, we recognize that although there are several ways to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the inflammation of bunions, the only definitive and lasting solution is surgical treatment. With over 40 years of experience, our minimally invasive surgical techniques offer effective and safe results. Although we try to avoid bunion surgery, in cases where non-surgical treatments are not sufficient, surgical intervention becomes the best option. When we detect a mild grade bunion, we have many non-surgical treatment options to relieve your pain and slow the progression of the bunion. We recommend wearing shoes that fit properly and have a wide toe box to prevent friction and irritation of the bunion. Bunion pads, splints, insoles and toe separators can help keep the first toe in a normal position or relieve pressure on the bunion, thus reducing swelling. For especially painful bunions, our experts also provide customized silicone orthotics designed to provide support and cushioning for your feet. However, it is important not to delay medical consultation, as the bunion may continue to progress. In cases of severe bunions, our minimally invasive surgical techniques are the most effective solution to restore function and permanently relieve pain.
Pain management for inflamed bunions
Although surgery is the only definitive solution for bunions, there are ways to manage the pain associated with this condition. It is important to remember that even after successful surgical treatment, it is possible to experience temporary discomfort in situations such as wearing tight shoes during a formal event, spending a long day on your feet or not wearing recommended orthotics. In these cases, to relieve occasional pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen may be helpful. These drugs can reduce inflammation and consequently reduce pain.In addition, the use of ice packs can be effective in reducing soft tissue swelling and relieving pain in the area affected by bunions. These measures may be especially beneficial during the post-surgical recovery period or in cases of mild bunion-related pain.
Response from the owner:¡Muchísimas gracias por esa recomendación del 200%, Aida! 👏 Nos hace una ilusión enorme leer palabras tan bonitas. Todo el equipo de Clínica San Román se esfuerza cada día para ofrecer la mejor atención posible, y saber que tu experiencia ha sido maravillosa es nuestra mejor recompensa. ¡Un fuerte abrazo!
Estoy muy satisfecha con la operación realizada por el Dr Israel San Román. todo ha ido estupendamente. Me operé de un juanete y 6 dedos en garra, a los 15 días ya caminaba y en un mes estaba totalmente recuperada. Son muy amables y te hacen sentir muy atendida. Muchas gracias a todos
Response from the owner:¡Muchísimas gracias por tus palabras, Tina! Nos hace muy felices saber que tu recuperación de la operación de juanete y dedos en garra ha sido tan rápida y satisfactoria.
Precisamente, ese es el objetivo de nuestra técnica de mínima incisión: corregir deformidades complejas permitiendo que el paciente camine cuanto antes y vuelva a su vida normal en tiempo récord. Le transmitiremos tu agradecimiento al Dr. Israel San Román y a todo el equipo. Ha sido un placer cuidarte. ¡Un fuerte abrazo!
Very happy and grateful for the results of this operation. Pain free walking was a dream, and Dr San Roman made it happen with great care, expertise and kindness. The whole staff is knowledgeable and very helpful. Thank you so much. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for trusting us with your foot surgery.
Reading that "pain-free walking" has turned from a dream into reality is the best reward for us. We are delighted to hear that you felt supported by Dr. San Román’s expertise and the kindness of our entire staff throughout the process.
We will make sure to share your kind words with the team. Thank you for recommending Clínica San Román to others seeking a definitive solution.
Warm regards from Alicante.
Tenía problemas serios en ambos pies de Halux Valgux, dedos en garra y otras deformaciones con dificultad para andar y con mucho dolor. Después de mucho buscar por internet, di con la Clínica San Román en Alicante. Tengo que dar las gracias al Dr. Israel San Román por sus enormes conocimientos, atención y esmero para solucionar definitivamente mi problema con microcirugía y a todo su personal de clínica, especialmente a María y Carla y los recomiendo para casos similares. ,
Response from the owner:Estimado Eliezer,
Muchísimas gracias por tu confianza y por compartir tu experiencia detallada con nosotros.
Nos hace muy felices saber que, tras tu búsqueda, encontraste en Clínica San Román la solución definitiva para recuperar tu calidad de vida. Es un orgullo para todo el equipo leer que la cirugía de mínima incisión (microcirugía) ha sido un éxito para corregir tanto el Hallux Valgus (juanetes) como los dedos en garra de ambos pies, eliminando el dolor y facilitando que vuelvas a caminar con normalidad.
Transmitiremos tus agradecimientos personalmente al Dr. Israel San Román, así como a María y Carla; les hará mucha ilusión saber que su atención y esmero han marcado la diferencia en tu proceso.
Gracias de corazón por recomendarnos a otros pacientes que puedan estar pasando por una situación similar. Aquí nos tienes a tu disposición.
Un afectuoso saludo de todo el equipo.
Después de muchos meses con dolor en mi pie izquierdo , gracias a la atención excepcional del Dr Israel san Roman he vuelto a poder andar sin molestia . Recomendable 100% un equipo excelente
Response from the owner:¡Muchísimas gracias por tu reseña, Vane! 💙
Después de tantos meses con dolor en tu pie izquierdo, nos alegra enormemente saber que ahora puedes volver a andar sin molestias. Ese es precisamente nuestro objetivo: ayudarte a recuperar tu calidad de vida lo antes posible 👣
El Dr. Israel San Román y todo el equipo te agradecen de corazón tu confianza y tu recomendación al 100%. Comentarios como el tuyo nos motivan a seguir trabajando con la máxima dedicación cada día.
Aquí nos tienes para lo que puedas necesitar en el futuro 😊✨
I had a minor foot surgery (hammer toe correction) at Clínica San Román in September 2025, and it was an excellent experience.
Dr. Israel San Román Sirvent, who performed my surgery, is not only highly skilled but also deeply committed to doing his work with precision and care. You can truly feel that he wants to achieve the best possible result for each patient.
I also had the pleasure of meeting his father, Dr. José Manuel San Román Pérez, who seemed sincerely proud to see his long experience being passed on to his son — a beautiful legacy of medical excellence.
The entire team — assistants, nurses, and staff — were kind, attentive, and very professional. The procedure was almost painless, and recovery went smoothly from the very first days. In fact, the doctor prescribed me paracetamol, but I barely needed to take it because I experienced no real pain.
It was a genuinely positive and reassuring experience from start to finish. I’m deeply grateful to Dr. Israel, Dr. José Manuel, and the whole team for their care, professionalism, and human warmth.
Response from the owner:Thank you very much for your detailed and generous review, Ibrahim.
It was a pleasure to accompany you throughout your hammer toe correction surgery and recovery process here at Clínica San Román. Knowing that everything went smoothly, that the procedure was practically painless, and that you barely needed any paracetamol is exactly the type of outcome we work for every day.
Dr. Israel San Román and the whole team truly appreciate your words about the precision, care and attention you felt during each step. We are also very grateful for your mention of Dr. José Manuel and the family legacy behind the clinic — we are proud to continue his path in minimally invasive foot surgery with the same dedication to medical excellence and humane care.
Thank you again for your trust and for recommending us. We remain at your disposal for any follow-up or future care you may need.
Warm regards from Dr. Israel, Dr. José Manuel and the entire Clínica San Román team.
Me operé de juanetes en Clínica San Román y absolutamente se lo recomiendo a todo el mundo. No sabemos lo importante que es la salud podológica hasta que no tenemos bien los pies. Amén de la estética, que ahora me sientan perfectos todos los estilettos, mocasines o sandalias de cualquier tipo. Antes lo tenía que haber hecho! Con la técnica que utilizan apenas hay 24-48 de “molestias”, ni siquiera dolor y no queda ningún tipo de marca o cicatriz. SE LO RECOMIENDO A TODO EL MUNDO.
Tanto el trato del doctor como de todo su equipo es fabuloso desde el primer hasta el último momento.
Response from the owner:Muchas gracias por la reseña, Amparo 🩵
Amparo, ha sido un verdadero placer acompañarte en tu cirugía de juanetes y en todo el proceso de recuperación. Saber que ahora puedes usar tus estilettos, mocasines y sandalias sin dolor y con total comodidad nos llena de alegría 😊
En Clínica San Román trabajamos cada día para que la cirugía mínimamente invasiva del pie permita una recuperación rápida, con pocas molestias y sin cicatrices visibles, tal y como comentas. Tu experiencia es el mejor ejemplo de que cuidar la salud de los pies mejora tanto la calidad de vida como la parte estética 👣
Gracias por confiar en el Dr. San Román y en todo el equipo, y por recomendar nuestra clínica “a todo el mundo”. Seguiremos aquí para lo que puedas necesitar en el futuro. 🙌✨
Dr Israel is the best foot doctor i ever seen. He's passionate about his work and has a lot of energy. I am so happy with his results. No other foot doctor what i had before can do this. He is amazing he did great work! His team Carla ,Maria and the rest are fantastic. His father is a wonderful man. I think many foot doctors in the Netherlands are yealous about him. I 've had 20 bad foot sugeries in the Netherlands. They did a terrible job. I'm so glad to find this foot clinic San Roman. The location is easily accesible. It's in the best spot in Alicante! Thanks so much!!!
Response from the owner:Hi Maryam,
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and heartfelt review. After everything you have been through with your feet and so many previous surgeries, it means a great deal to us that you finally feel relieved and happy with the results.
Dr. Israel is truly passionate about his work, and the whole team (Carla, Maria and the rest) is delighted to know that you felt so well cared for. We will also gladly pass on your lovely words to Dr. San Román Sr.
We are very happy that you chose to travel to Alicante and place your trust in Clínica San Román. Knowing that you can now walk more comfortably is the best reward for our work. We are also glad that you found our location easy to access and convenient.
If you ever need anything in the future, we will be more than happy to welcome you back.
Warm regards,
Clínica San Román 💙
Tengo pies muy sensibles, y la experiencia fue realmente un gran alivio! Primero la recepción muy amable, luego me trato la podóloga Ana, con mucha delicadeza y profesionalidad. Fue un placer saludar al Director el Dr San Román. Absolutamente recomendable! Trato excepcional!
Response from the owner:Hola Judy,
Muchísimas gracias por compartir tu experiencia con nosotros 😊. Nos alegra especialmente saber que, teniendo pies muy sensibles, sentiste tanto alivio tras el tratamiento y que desde la recepción hasta la consulta con nuestra podóloga Ana te hayas sentido bien atendida.
Ha sido un placer también para el Dr. San Román poder saludarte. Comentarios como el tuyo nos animan a seguir ofreciendo un trato cercano, delicado y profesional.
Gracias de nuevo por tu recomendación y por confiar en Clínica San Román. ¡Aquí nos tienes para lo que necesites en el futuro! 💙
Uitstekende goede ervaring in SAN ROMAN.Al mijn tenen werden PIJNLOOS behandeld.Super dokter.Heel goede,vriendelijke en duidelijke begeleiding van alle personeel.Overtreft mijn verwachtingen.Ben heel blij met mijn “ nieuwe” voeten.👍
Na 40 dagen op controle geweest,heel vriendelijk professioneel ontvangen door dokter Israël en zijn team.De dokter is een echte perfectionist.Ben heel tevreden.Spijtig dat ik zo lang gewacht heb om mij te laten behandelen in de kliniek. Hartelijk dank aan Maria,Cinthia en Carla.
Response from the owner:Hallo Francine,
Hartelijk dank dat u uw ervaring met ons deelt ⭐. We zijn blij te horen dat de behandeling pijnloos verliep en dat het resultaat uw verwachtingen heeft overtroffen. Bij Clínica San Román zetten wij ons elke dag in voor hoogwaardige voetzorg, met een toegewijd team dat de patiënt stap voor stap begeleidt.
Wij wensen u veel plezier met uw “nieuwe” voeten 👣 en staan altijd voor u klaar wanneer u ons nodig heeft.
Met vriendelijke groet,
Team Clínica San Román
SAN ROMÁN CLINIC
Discover Clínica San Román
We want you to get a closer look at how we work and what you can expect when you visit us. In this video we show you our facilities, our medical team and how we approach each case in a personalized way.
We are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of foot problems, from common ailments to surgical interventions with minimally invasive techniques. We are committed to close attention, unhurried and focused on you.
If you have discomfort when walking or are looking for a definitive solution for your feet, this is your place. Press play and get to know us.
Clínica San Román es un centro especializado en podología y cirugía del pie con más de 45 años de experiencia. Nuestro equipo médico, liderado por expertos en cirugía mínimamente invasiva, comparte información confiable y actualizada sobre el cuidado de los pies, tratamientos innovadores y consejos para mejorar tu bienestar.
