A bunion is a bony protrusion at the bottom of the big toe that causes it to shift closer to the other toes. This foot deformity occurs due to years of stress on the big toe joint, and it can cause pain and interfere with your daily activities. A variety of conditions causes bunions; let us look at the most common causes of The Woodlands bunions.
9 common causes of Bunions
Genetics: Bunions are the result of a mix of hereditary and external factors. If you have a family history of bunions, you are more likely to develop them due to inherited foot structures and mechanics.
Age: Bunions can arise at any age but are more common in adults. With age, the tendons and ligaments which stabilize your feet may degenerate, increasing the risk of bunion formation.
Foot Mechanics: Bunions can be caused by abnormal foot mechanics. It can cause instability in the toe joint, progressively pushing it out of alignment and resulting in the formation of a bunion.
Arthritis: Some types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, might contribute to the development of a bunion. Arthritis can promote joint inflammation and weaken the surrounding structures, resulting in joint misalignment.
Foot Injuries: Ant injury can cause alterations to the foot’s shape, leading to bunion formation. Injuries to the joint or bones around the big toe may disrupt natural alignment and eventually lead to the development of a bunion.
Improper Footwear: Wearing uncomfortable footwear can force the toes into an unnatural position and increase pressure on the big toe joint. High heels are particularly notorious for exacerbating bunion development as they shift the body’s weight forward onto the toes.
Occupation: Certain occupations or activities that require extended standing or repeated motion can increase the risk of bunions. People who work in jobs that require them to be on their feet all day may have increased foot stress.
Pre-existing Conditions: Foot mechanics can be altered by conditions such as flat feet, high arches, and other structural anomalies, which can contribute to bunion formation.
Ignoring Early Symptoms: Ignoring early signals of foot discomfort or pain, as well as failing to seek suitable footwear or medical treatment, can allow bunions to grow and worsen over time.
Bunions are a common bone deformity that is usually innocuous. In moderate situations, over-the-counter medications can give relief; but, in severe cases, skilled medical attention is required.
