12 Nov What Causes Bunions?
Have you ever stopped to think about the importance your feet have on your quality of life? The feet play a vital role in keeping us balanced and stable. Unfortunately, foot disorders are one of the leading factors when it comes to causing a sedentary lifestyle and disability. A foot deformity like a bunion can drastically impact your quality of life and interfere with your daily activities. At Cherrywood Foot Care; our team can help you manage your bunion(s) and help you keep them from worsening or developing in the future. Continue reading to learn more about what causes bunions.
What Causes Bunions?
Bunions are one of the most prevalent foot deformities that often result from a misalignment of the first metatarsal. This bone displacement causes pressure and enlargement of the metatarsal, which leads to the formation of the bony lump at the joint. Bunions can form slowly over time. Bunions can be caused by the following:
- Shoes that are too small.
- High Heels
- Shoes with narrow toe boxes.
- Genetics.
- Biomechanics.
- Arthritis.
Bunions are most common among adults older than 40 years old, but they can develop at any age. Women are more prone to developing bunions than men. Symptoms of bunions may include:
- Pain or redness on the inside edge of your big toe.
- Calluses under your big toe.
- Corns under your big toe.
- Swelling on the side of your big toe.
Treating and Preventing Bunions
Bunions can be treated through bracing, avoiding triggering activities, and changing footwear. In the event of a more severe bunion, a bunionectomy can be performed to remove the deformity. It is best to treat bunions early to prevent them from becoming more painful or disabling. The best way to prevent disabling bunions is by wearing comfortable shoes with support and a wide toe box. Also, it is important to avoid high-heeled or pointed-toe shoes that can cause pressure on your big toes. If you have been diagnosed with a bunion, avoid activities that will worsen your symptoms.
Contact Us
If a bunion is beginning to interfere with your quality of life, our team at Cherrywood Foot Care, podiatrist, is here to help. We understand that bunions can put pain in every step, so you should not hesitate to seek treatment to get back on your feet pain-free. To learn more about bunion treatment or to schedule an appointment, be sure to contact us today!