National Bunion Day steps onto the calendar every third Tuesday of April, dedicated to educating the public on this common foot deformity. Learn about the true causes of bunions, dispel common myths, and explore effective treatment options. Take proactive steps to understand and protect your foot health.
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History of National Bunion Day
National Bunion Day™ was established in 2024 to educate the public on common misconceptions about the cause of bunions and to highlight the most effective treatment options available. National Bunion Day™ is now recognized on each third Tuesday in April. This day serves as an important opportunity to drive a broader awareness of bunions, their causes and the importance of early intervention for this debilitating bone deformity.Â
Bunions are a complex and progressive condition that form when bones in the mid-foot slide out of alignment.5 The deformity often runs in families and is frequently marked by a large bump on the side of the big toe.6,7 Bunion pain can significantly impact a patient’s life by restricting the types of activities they can participate in or limiting the types of shoes they can wear. Almost 25% of American adults suffer from bunions and despite common misconceptions, anyone can develop them regardless of their gender or lifestyle.8Â
Many people living with bunions are reluctant to seek treatment due to the negative reputation associated with conventional surgical correction methods. These procedures often involve a recovery period during which patients are required to refrain from bearing weight on their foot for 7-9 weeks and also pose a nearly 70% risk of bunion recurrence.9,10
Founded in 2014, Treace Medical Concepts, a Ponte Vedra-based medical technology company, developed the Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® procedure which corrects the underlying cause of bunions by returning the bone to its natural 3D alignment and stabilizing the joint using patented titanium plates. This can help people to get back on their get back on their feet in only a matter of weeks.11,12 The Lapiplasty® Procedure has been performed on more than 130,000 patients since it was first cleared by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016.13
The establishment of National Bunion Day™ in the United States has brought critical attention to this common and disruptive health issue, educated patients about the latest treatment options that can allow them to quickly get back to the activities they enjoy and is helping dismantle the stigma surrounding this condition.Â
National Bunion Day timeline
Footprints from prehistoric hunter-gatherers show evidence of bunions.
Approximately 27% of burials in and around Cambridge, England during the 14th and 15th centuries show skeletal evidence of bunions.15
Physicians initially believed that hallux valgus involved an enlargement of soft tissue or first metatarsal head caused by ill-fitting shoes.16
Newer techniques begin to rapidly evolve following the introduction of fluoroscopy.17
A team of foot and ankle surgical specialists identify bunion surgery as an area that urgently needs improvement due to high recurrence and complication rates and long recovery times.18
Since the procedure was cleared, more than 130,000 patients have been treated using Lapiplasty®3D Bunion Correction®.20
Treace establishes and sponsors National Bunion Day™ and the first observation takes place. Want to be a sponsor: learn how.
How to Observe National Bunion Day
1. Check your feet
Recognizing the early symptoms of a bunion is critical to avoiding long-term discomfort and mobility issues. Monitor your foot health for the following symptoms and consult with a specialist if you experience any of the following:
- A noticeable bump forming at the base of the big toe
- Persistent pain or tenderness around the big toe joint, especially after standing or walking
- Redness, swelling, or stiffness in the affected area
- Difficulty finding comfortable footwear due to changes in foot shape
2. Share your experience
If you are currently living with bunions or had them treated in the past, share your experience on social media using the hashtag, #StandUp2Bunions. This can help reduce the stigma surrounding the condition.
3. Spread the word
Nearly 25% of American adults live with bunion deformities. Help those who are affected by this disruptive condition by sharing accurate information about bunions and treatment options for them.Â
National Bunion Day FAQs
When is National Bunion Day?
National Bunion Day 2027 is observed on Tuesday, April 20. It’s a key day for raising awareness about foot health and dispelling common myths surrounding bunions.
How many people are affected by bunions?
Across the United States, about 65 million individuals experience bunions. The annual observance provides an opportunity to discuss the prevalence and impact of this common foot deformity.
What are the common misconceptions about bunions?
For 2027, the focus remains on debunking myths that bunions are only due to constrained footwear. Instead, the day highlights that many cases stem from genetic predispositions or structural issues within the foot, requiring proper medical attention.
Can bunions be prevented or treated without surgery?
In 2027, managing bunions often begins with conservative approaches, including specialized footwear, custom orthotics, and physical therapy. These methods can alleviate pain and prevent worsening, though severe cases may eventually require surgical correction.
5 Facts About Bunions
The root cause
Bunions are more than a bump at the base of your big toe. The actual root cause can be found higher up in your mid-foot, an unstable joint that allows your bone to lean, elevate, and rotate out of alignment, creating a complex 3D deformity.
They're progressive
Bunions are a progressive disorder and don’t go away on their own without surgical correction.21
Typical symptoms over time
Bunions are a progressive condition that typically form slowly over the years and can become painful, interfering with normal, daily activities. Typical symptoms of a bunion include a bump on the side or top of the foot, pain, swelling, pressure and numbness.
Additional symptoms if untreated
While conservative treatments such as toe spacers, pads, splints, inserts and orthotics are designed to keep you comfortable, they cannot correct the bunion deformity. If left untreated, bunions can cause additional symptoms, including arthritis, calluses, hammertoes, bone spurs, toes crossing over, and pain in the ball of the foot.
The importance of early evaluations
There used to be a school of thought that you should delay bunion surgery as long as possible. However, now many doctors feel that it is important to receive an evaluation early on, to determine if it’s appropriate for you to consider surgery as other issues may develop as the bunion progresses.
Why National Bunion Day is Important
Bunions can significantly impact one’s quality of life
Bunions are progressive and if left untreated, can cause severe pain, pressure, numbness, swelling and discomfort. Eventually, many patients who suffer from bunions are forced to give up the activities they enjoy and modify their footwear in order to accommodate their bunion deformity.
Bunion myths need to be dispelled
Many people believe that bunions are a simple overgrowth of bone or a “normal” part of the aging process. Because of this assumption, they delay or decide not to seek treatment. However, the condition is actually a complex bone deformity that can only be corrected with surgery.
The stigma surrounding bunions needs to be addressed
There is a common belief that only older women develop bunions. However, the condition can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender or lifestyle.
