Bunions are a painful problem for many women and some men, too — especially those whose jobs involve a lot of standing. Harvard Health explains that bunions need treatment because otherwise they can hurt other toes and lead to corns, ingrown toes, and calluses. Ultimately, they can make it hard to walk, seriously reducing quality of life, the website says:

Especially in older women, foot disorders are a major cause of disability and sedentary habits. Older women are more likely to have bunions as they get older, and the more severe their bunions are, the lower their quality of life is. You should seek treatment if the pain and deformity interfere with daily routines and physical activity.

Simple ways to treat bunions include wearing shoes that fit over them properly, with enough space to relieve pressure, and using gel inserts or similar products. To reduce pain, try soaking the bunion in warm water or applying ice, or taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain reliever like ibuprofen.