Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of your big toe. They are common and can cause discomfort and impact your daily activities. It is important to understand the causes to help you prevent and manage your bunions. In this article we’ll tell you about five common causes of bunions and ways to prevent them.
Causes of Bunions -
Genetics and Family History - Genetics play a big role in the development of bunions. If bunions run in your family, you may have an increased chance of developing them yourself. Inherited foot structures and mechanics can contribute to the formation of bunions. More than 70% of people with bunions had a parent with bunions.
Wrong Footwear Choices and Too Small Shoes - Wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly or are tight is one of the leading causes of bunions. Shoes that are narrow or pointed, like high heels and narrow-toed shoes, can crowd your toes and force them into unnatural positions. This puts pressure on the joint at the base of the big toe. Over time, this pressure can result in the development of a bunion.
Foot Mechanics and Pronation - Issues with foot mechanics, such as overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot) or flat feet, can contribute to bunions forming. These conditions can change the distribution of weight and pressure on the foot, leading to misalignment that may speed up bunion development.
Trauma, Injury or Health Conditions - Fractures or sprains, can increase the risk of developing bunions. Damage to the structures around the big toe joint can disrupt its alignment, potentially leading to the onset of a bunion over time, especially if you do not properly heal and rehabilitate your injury. Also, conditions like arthritis can increase bunion formation in older individuals.
Aging and Natural Wear and Tear - As we age, the ligaments and tendons in our feet naturally weaken, leading to changes in foot structure and function. Over time, this natural wear-and-tear can contribute to the development of bunions.
Bunion Prevention/Management –
Bunions can be difficult to prevent because they are caused by multiple reasons. For some, bunion formation can’t be prevented but you can make them less of an issue or less painful by following a few tips:
Choose Proper Footwear
Avoid shoes that aggravate bunions like shoes with narrow, pointed toes.
Look for shoes with a wide or roomy toe box to provide enough space in your shoes so your bunion doesn’t rub.
Choose the Correct Fitting Shoes
Before you buy new shoes test them out - sit, stand and walk in shoes before buying them. If they get delivered to your home, wear them around your house before you decide if they fit.
To get a more accurate shoe fit, try on shoes at the end of the day. Feet swell later in the day and are slightly bigger later in the day than first thing in the morning.
Address Issues with Foot Mechanics
Using orthotics and wearing shoes with the correct support for your foot can help you manage bunion and bunion pain.
If left unaddressed, bunions can significantly impact foot health and quality of life. If you understand the common causes behind bunion development, you can take steps to prevent or better manage bunions and have happy pain free feet for years to come.
For additional information on bunions see: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14386-bunions-hallux-valgus
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