What causes bunions on the foot?

Bunions on the foot can be a very frequent problem which affect the joint on the base of the great toe or hallux in which the joint enlarges and the big toe angles over towards the other side of the foot. They could turn out to be uncomfortable as well as impact the way that people walk. While a great deal of research has been performed to investigate the explanation for bunions, the specific conclusive cause is just not apparent. The reason isn't a easy matter and is complex and multiple factors are involved. Poor fitting as well as tight shoes are usually considered to be the cause, although not all those who wear tighter fitting shoes develop bunions, so this isn't the entire explanation. Bunions are observed in people who do not wear footwear, so shoes can not be blamed in these instances. However, they aren't as prevalent in those who wear footwear. Consequently poor footwear is merely part of the cause, and not necessarily the whole problem. Footwear may play a role in making the bunion progress faster and may lead to making the bunion painful. Bunions tend to be more common in females and it is believed that they usually wear more inadequate fitting high heel shoes that supports the footwear theory being a cause. However, it might indicate hormonal reasons and the affects that these hormones have on the bones as playing a possible role.

Inherited factors play a role, in that if your parents have bunions, then you are more prone to have bunions. But research shows that while there are inherited issues involved and if you have these hereditary factors then that doesn't automatically imply that you're going to get them. It can be that the actual cause involves other factors too. Presently hereditary and footwear factors mix to increase the chance of developing a bunion, but that doesn't mean that a bunion predictable.

The next challenge is may these variables be modified or altered to stop or handle bunions? To begin with, you cannot get new parents, so hereditary factors can not be changed. They should, nonetheless, increase your awareness that you are in danger of having a bunion. For instance, you might like to pay special attention to the fitting of the footwear to help stop the bunion from getting bigger. The other main factor is the shoe and you may do something about them. These shoes really should fit the foot properly. The shoe should not be pressing the big toe over to develop a bunion. This isn't a short-term answer and it is something that you really need to carry on over the long term or difficulties will develop. Just like a great number of medical concerns preventing bunions is knowing exactly what adds to the probability for the problem and reducing the risk factors where feasible.

When a bunion does develop it is not easy to make it go away with out surgery. You can find night splints known as bunion correctors that could be tested out and in addition they do bring about some improvement. Wearing other types of braces and paddings in addition to using broader fitting shoes can deal with the pain sensation with the bunion.

Craig Payne is a University lecturer, runner, cynic, researcher, skeptic, forum admin, woo basher, clinician, rabble-rouser, blogger and a dad.