What Causes Bunions And Why Are They So Common? (2024)

What Causes Bunions And Why Are They So Common? (1)

A bump by any other name is not always just a bump, despite the literary genius of one very famous Elizabethan bard who was referring to roses.

A bunion cannot be willed to go away, never darken your doorstep or find another toe, joint or foot to call home.

If left untreated, bunions are progressive and will grow and become more and more painful with each passing day.

According to a National Foot Health Assessment, about 18 million American women and 4 million men report having bunions every year.

They are also twice as common among people sixty years of age and older. But why do they occur so often, one might intelligently ask?

According to the teams at JAWS Podiatry, despite the frequency of their occurrence in almost one out of every three Americans, bunions are often misunderstood.

They are 10 times more likely to develop in women than men because of their choice of shoe wear. High heels are the enemy, although it takes a while to notice that.

What Causes Bunions And Why Are They So Common? (2)They force the toes downward and to fold over each other into the narrow part of the shoes.

According to a study published online at Arthritis Care and Research, the ethnic group with the highest presence of bunions (whose Latin name is hallux valgus) was African American women at 70%. African American men came in at a close second at 69%.

Analyzing the statistics surrounding bunions requires an understanding of how the big toe functions.

This digit houses two vital joints, the longer of which is known as the metatarsophalangeal joint (thankfully known by its shortened version, MTP), which connects the first long bone of the foot ((metatarsal) to the first bone of the toe (phalanx).

When the MTP joint is forced out of its natural alignment due to excessive pressure from ill-fitting shoes, this causes a shift of the larger bone towards the inner part of the foot and and also forces the phalanx bones of the big toe toward the second toe. This results in the development of a bunion.

The Several Causes Of Bunions

Apart from high heels and shoes that are too narrow and too tight, bunions can arise from a number of other causes.

These include: arthritis, heredity affecting foot structure or anatomy or misalignment of thefoot.

Some seventy percent of people who develop bunions have a family history, which indicates a significant genetic component. (This is particularly the case for bunions that develop during adolescence.)

Those afflicted with inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may also have a higher tendency to develop bunions.

What Causes Bunions And Why Are They So Common? (3)

Some Interesting Facts About Bunions And Foot Care

1. Roughly 85% of people have legs that are two different sizes. This frequently results in an uneven gait and the development of a bunion on the foot of the longer leg.

2. It is estimated that 75% of Americans will experience some foot health issues of varying severity at least once during their lifetime.

3. The average American adult takes from about 4,000 to 6,000 steps every day and walks some 75,000 miles on their feet by the age of 50.

4. According to a study by the American Foot and Ankle Society, of the 88% of women who wear shoes that are too small, some 55% develop bunions.

5. Bunions are often hereditary. Even if you don’t wear high heels or ill fitting shoes, you may still be genetically predisposed to develop bunions if your parents or grand parents have or have ever had them.

6. It is estimated that 19% of the American population has on average 1.4 foot problems annually.

7. Bunions are the only food deformities that actually have a holiday named after them. National Bunion Day is September 23, and since 2018 has been sponsored by by innovative footwear company,Sole Bliss. The goal is to raise awareness of bunions, remove the stigma that is attached to them and offer practical advice for living more comfortably with the condition.

8. Bunionettes are not baby bunions. Formerly known as tailor’s bunions, this name derives from the fact that professional tailors at one time sat with their legs crossed all day long, which caused the outer side of their feet to rub on the ground. These deformities are usually found at the base of the pinky toe, and not the big toe, which is the case with their big brothers, so to speak.

9. Every human foot has 26 bones, which translates into the fact that 25% of all body bones are found in the feet.

10. If left untreated, bunions have progressive, and often nasty consequences. They force the big toe to press against the second toe and that one to press against the third, causing all the toes on a poor foot to become like a house of cards that collapses upon one another.

How Do Podiatrists Treat Bunions?

Bunion pain can be so severe that it can impact every waking second of the day.

It is best to act as soon as the pain starts and seek, at the very least, a medical consultation to consider potential options.

Dr. Abraham Wagner, south Florida’s acclaimed podiatrist, warns that is it is always what you don’t know that can hurt you and never the knowledge that arms you with a course of action.

What Causes Bunions And Why Are They So Common? (4)

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and non surgical options are always considered first.

These include: bunion pads and taping, which can cushion the affected area and soothe pain; changes in footwear, which take pressure off the toes; orthotic, over the counter or custom made inserts that help to control alignment issues; both topical and oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) combined with ice packs, which serve to decrease swelling and pain, physical therapy (massage and ultrasound) and exercises for muscle strength.

Steroid injections are the last non surgical resort. They do help with pain, but the procedure is risky because if used in excess, it can cause damage to the toe joint.

If none of these options serve to reduce pain and swelling, and you live in south Florida, the place to go for surgical help is JAWS Podiatry.

There are diverse surgical options, and usually, smaller surgeries correct smaller bunions and more complex procedures correct larger ones.

A decision rests upon the results of a physical examination and x ray determinations. Usually, bunion surgery is a same day procedure, but a long recovery time is often necessary.

10 Tips for Proper Shoe Fit To Avoid Bunions

That old expression,“if the shoe fits,” applies here, but in a different way than originally intended.

The best way to deal with bunions is not to get them at all, but if you have them, our experts at JAWS Podiatry offer the following proactive tips.

1. Select shoes that are stable with wide insteps and broad toe boxes.

2. Always avoid shoes that are sharply pointed, too short or too tight and those with heels higher than a few inches.

3. Never select shoes based just on the size marked inside. Brand sizes vary and the only way to know a shoe is a good fit is to try it on.

4. Never buy shoes that are too tight and expect them to stretch over time and use.

5. Always buy shoes that conform as close as possible to the shape of your foot

6. Have your feet measured on regular basis because foot sizes change with aging.

7. Always measure both feet because in many instances, one foot is larger than the other. Fit shoes always to the largest foot and at the end of the day when feet are at their largest point.

8. Always stand during fitting and make sure there is enough space for the longest toe at the end of the shoe.

9. The ball of your foot should fit comfortably into the widest part of the shoe.

10. Always walk for a few minutes in the shoes to ensure that they feel right. Classy shoes can still be comfortable albeit minus the glitz glamor (and subsequent pain) of.narrow, tight fitting high heels.

In Conclusion

If you suffer from foot pain of any kind, call upon the collection of our caring professionals at JAWS Podiatry.

Our passion, skills and devotion to providing help and relieve of pain is unmatched anywhere in the nation!

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Jaws Podiatry

Jaws Podiatry is a family-run, 5-star rated, cutting edge cosmetic foot institute led by South Florida’s highly acclaimed founder of the the MIFAS Institute (Minimally Invasive and Aesthetic Foot And Ankle Surgery), Dr. Abraham Wagner, DPM.

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What Causes Bunions And Why Are They So Common? (2024)

FAQs

What Causes Bunions And Why Are They So Common? ›

Bunion. Bunions are usually caused by prolonged pressure put on the feet that compresses the big toe and pushes it toward the second toe

second toe
the first toe, also known as the hallux ("big toe", "great toe", "thumb toe"), the innermost toe; the second toe, ("index toe", "pointer toe"), the third toe, ("middle toe"); the fourth toe, ("fore toe")
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Toe
. Over time, the condition may become painful as extra bone grows where the base of the big toe meets the foot.

What is the main cause of bunions? ›

Eventually, a bunion forms on your MTP joint when your body compensates for your toe being pushed out of its usual place. The most common causes of extra pressure on your big toe joint include: Wearing narrow or pointed shoes that crowd your toes (shoes with a narrow toe box). The way you walk (your foot mechanics).

Who is most likely to get bunions? ›

According to the teams at JAWS Podiatry, despite the frequency of their occurrence in almost one out of every three Americans, bunions are often misunderstood. They are 10 times more likely to develop in women than men because of their choice of shoe wear.

Why do you get bunions as you get older? ›

Bunions, which are known medically as hallux valgus, are a progressive bone disorder. Several factors are attributed to their growth, none of which occur quickly. Certain types of arthritis, a genetic predisposition, individual lifestyle, and simply getting older all contribute to their development.

Why do some people get bunions and others don t? ›

Shoes with narrow toes can trigger a bunion, but they're not the underlying cause. Bunions run in families, because foot type (shape and structure) is hereditary, and some types are more prone to bunions than others. Low arches, flat feet, and loose joints and tendons all increase the risk.

How can I shrink my bunions naturally? ›

By following these steps and incorporating them into your daily routine, you can take charge of your foot health and enjoy greater comfort.
  1. Step 1: Assess Your Footwear. ...
  2. Step 2: Use Bunion Pads and Splints. ...
  3. Step 3: Incorporate Toe Exercises and Stretches. ...
  4. Step 4: Apply Ice and Heat Therapy. ...
  5. Step 5: Consider Custom Orthotics.
Feb 15, 2024

Is walking barefoot good for bunions? ›

Going barefoot is ideal in the beginning stages of bunions. When barefoot, the joints of the toes will get stronger, an important part of good foot health.

Can you correct a bunion without surgery? ›

In most cases, bunions can be treated nonsurgically. One of the podiatrists from our team can examine your bunion(s) and recommend a conservative treatment which includes one or more of the following: Custom shoe orthotics (inserts) that relieve pressure on the joint and align your weight in a more beneficial way.

How do you stop bunions from growing? ›

Bunion prevention and management: 5 things to start doing
  1. Make sure your shoes are the right size and fit. ...
  2. Avoid wearing high heels every day (or retire them altogether) ...
  3. Rest your feet. ...
  4. Do bunion stretches and exercises to strengthen your feet. ...
  5. Monitor your feet for changes.

How to reverse bunions? ›

The only way to permanently remove bunions is surgery, sometimes called a bunionectomy. There are a few different ways to surgically remove a bunion, and all are common. Your podiatrist will take a look at your foot to determine the best approach to help you find permanent bunion relief.

What is the average age for bunions? ›

More than 20% of men and women ages 18-65 have bunions, and more than 35% of men and women over age 65 have these toe deformities. Along with age, there are several other factors that can make it more likely you'll develop bunions. If you have a bunion, Premier Podiatry can get rid of it.

Do toe spacers help bunions? ›

Bunion toe spacers cannot cure bunions, but they can help manage pain and prevent further damage to the toe joint.

What is the average age to get bunions? ›

The pressure from the big toe can force the second toe out of alignment, sometimes overlapping with the third toe. While bunions are most common among adult women, they also can occur in tweens and teens between the ages of 10 and 15. Teenage girls are three times more likely than boys to get bunions.

Why is bunion surgery not recommended? ›

Prolonged swelling, infection, and deep vein thrombosis can result from this treatment. Some of the other possible complications include over- or under-correction, loss of correction, joint stiffness, and nerve entrapment.

Does walking make bunions worse? ›

Many people, when they walk or run, push off the side of their foot, versus pushing forward, which can exacerbate bunions,” she explains. A PT can work with you to help you practice moving from the ball of your foot to pushing off your toes.

What happens if you ignore bunions? ›

Ignoring a bunion can lead to serious complications. Without bunion treatment, bunions can continue to grow. They will push your big toe inward towards the neighboring toe, which can be painful. Likewise, they can grow so large that is painful to wear shoes.

How do I stop a bunion from growing? ›

Bunion prevention and management: 5 things to start doing
  1. Make sure your shoes are the right size and fit. ...
  2. Avoid wearing high heels every day (or retire them altogether) ...
  3. Rest your feet. ...
  4. Do bunion stretches and exercises to strengthen your feet. ...
  5. Monitor your feet for changes.

Can you make bunions go away? ›

Once the joint becomes deformed, it can't undo itself. But that doesn't mean you have to suffer. Noninvasive therapies such as bunion pads, foot taping, and custom orthotics can improve small bunions that don't cause much pain, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories are adequate to resolve mild pain.

Can you reverse a bunion? ›

Bunions can't be reversed, and unfortunately, they don't go away on their own. Once you have a bunion, it will likely continue to grow over time. Luckily, many people don't need to have surgery to treat their bunions. It's possible to find pain relief through home remedies, orthotics and other treatments.

How can I stop my bunion? ›

Treatment
  1. Changing shoes. Wear roomy, comfortable shoes that provide plenty of space for your toes.
  2. Padding. Over-the-counter, nonmedicated bunion pads or cushions may be helpful. ...
  3. Medications. ...
  4. Shoe inserts. ...
  5. Applying ice.

References

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