The 3 stages are:
Mild Stage
This can also be described as the primary stage. At this stage, the bunion is just a small bump that cannot be easily spotted. Most people might even think that’s how their feet naturally look like. However, on closer look, the big toe is slightly curved, with an angle of about 3 – 5 degrees. There is usually no pain at this stage, but you might start to notice that the small bump gradually gets bigger over time. During this stage, you should get a well-fitting shoe and do bunion exercises which are readily available on YouTube and other sites. Bunion correctors will also help to improve the condition.
The Moderate Stage
This is where the bump that was small starts to grow and enlarge. It is visible from a distance. The toe starts to deviate from the inside of the leg, outward. Pain starts being felt and it could also be itchy. During this stage, you can acquire bunion correctors that reduce your inflammation and pulls your big toe straight back to alignment. Night splints are also effective in this stage. Combined with exercises, bunions at this stage can still be corrected and improved.
The Severe Stage
This is also referred to as the tertiary stage. The big toe at this stage has moved to the outside of the leg significantly. The toe has already occupied the space of the second toe through overlapping or under riding. The toe usually becomes red and pain is sometimes experienced. The bump that was developing becomes bony. At this point, it gets hard to get a shoe that can fit. This stage may require surgery since it may not be rectifiable through exercise or correctors.
When bunions are treated early, there is less chance of surgery. Cheap methods of treatment like exercises may make you save a lot of money and also save you from experiencing pain.
