Q. At what stage does hallux valgus start to hurt?

It progresses in stages as follows.

• Stage 1 — the big toe begins to deviate, but with no particular symptoms many people are unaware of it
• Stage 2 — the bump on the side of the foot protrudes and reddens, with occasional pain
• Stage 3 — the bump becomes distinct and pain appears often
• Stage 4 — the other toes are affected too, pain continues and daily life becomes difficult

These are things to check alongside. Look at whether the big toe has deviated outwards, whether a callus has formed on the sole, whether there is pain in the foot, knee, pelvis or lower back, whether the front of the sole reddens and hurts, and whether the second toe overlaps the big toe.