What Causes Bunions? Understanding and Dealing With These Bony Bumps
You’ve recently noticed a hard, bony bump forming at the base of your big toe, and your first instinct is to blame those narrow heels or tight running shoes. It’s a common belief: We wear “bad” shoes and get bunions.
However, the reality is a bit more complex—and, when it comes to bunions, a bit more frustrating. If you’re wondering what causes bunions (or hallux valgus, the medical term for these uncomfortable bumps), the answer likely lies more in your family tree than in your closet.
Is it Hereditary? The Root Cause of Bunions
Bunions often stick out of the side of the foot with the big toe pointing in toward your other toes. If you wear tight shoes that narrow at the tip, it’s easy to think that the shoes force the big toe in. But that’s not the case.
A bunion is actually a change in your foot’s bone structure. It develops over time as the bone of your big toe joint gradually angles in. As it does, the angle pushes your bones out of alignment, causing a noticeable bump.
The reason bunions form is often genetic or related to how bones form. Roughly 70% of people with bunions have a family history of them. It’s possible you inherited a foot type or structure that’s prone to bunions. For example, having flat feet or low arches can increase your chances of developing one. Having a naturally round head of the metatarsal bone, which sits just below the big toe joint, can also make you more likely to develop bunions.
The Role of Footwear: Should You Change Your Shoes?
Shoes may not be the primary cause of bunions, but that doesn’t mean your footwear is off the hook. Think of your genetics as the kindling and your shoes as the match.
Wearing high-heeled shoes or styles with a narrow toe box puts pressure on your toes and squeezes them into an unnatural position. As a result, your bunion may get worse, and you may notice symptoms sooner than you otherwise might.
If you have a bunion, or have family members who do, you can protect your feet by switching to shoes with a wider toe box. You can also try stretching out your shoes so they put less pressure on the big toe joint.
Why Do Bunions ‘Suddenly’ Appear?
Bunions typically develop slowly over time, and they don’t always cause pain or other symptoms. When those symptoms develop, you may feel like the bunion suddenly appeared.
You might start with your shoes. Any shoe can aggravate a bunion and cause pain if it puts pressure on your big toe. Standing on your feet for long periods can also lead to symptoms, such as:
- Burning
- Inflammation
- Numbness
- Pain
- Redness
At What Age Do Bunions Typically Appear?
Bunions can develop at any age, but they are most common in adulthood.
Although bunions become more common as you get older, other risk factors beyond age also play a role. You might be more likely to develop bunions if you:
- Are a ballet dancer, which puts a lot of stress on the feet
- Are female, since bunions are more common in women than men
- Are pregnant, as hormone shifts can cause bunions to form
- Have a health condition that affects the joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
- Have a job that requires standing on your feet, like being a teacher or nurse
What to Do Next: The Importance of Treating Bunions
Because bunions can be genetic and related to your foot structure, you might not be able to “stop” or prevent them. And, bunions don’t go away on their own once they’ve formed. A bunion can cause:
- Alignment issues in your other toes, which can lead to hammer toe
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Corns, calluses and ingrown toenails, which may cause more pain and difficulty walking
You can, however, take steps to protect your feet. Once a bunion forms, focus on:
- Good shoes: Look for styles with a wide toe box that allows your toes to wiggle freely. Avoid narrow toes and high-heeled shoes.
- Pads or toe spacers: In some cases, these over-the-counter products can decrease pain or calluses.
- Shoe inserts: You can ask your foot specialist about orthotics. These can sometimes help ease bunion pain, keeping your foot in the right position as you walk and reducing pressure on the toe joint.
- Regular visits with your foot specialist: Bunions progress (get worse) at different rates. Seeing a foot specialist regularly allows them to keep an eye on your bunion and help you know when you might need more than at-home care.
Does Walking Barefoot Help Bunions?
It’s unlikely that walking barefoot helps with bunions, and it may actually make your pain worse. Walking barefoot may strengthen muscles in your feet, but bunions are problems with bone shape and structure.
Key Takeaway
Bad shoes are often blamed for causing bunions, but most bunions are caused by genetics and inherited foot structure. Although they may seem sudden, bunions typically develop over time in people with certain risk factors, such as:
- Flat feet
- Jobs that require long periods of standing or walking
- Certain health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis
Your best bet?Take care of your feet by wearing good shoes and seeing a foot specialist regularly.
Find your footing again. Regardless of the cause, bunions can become unsightly and painful without the right care. Find a Summit Orthopedics foot and ankle expert who can explain your treatment options. Request an appointment or call us at (651) 968-5201 to schedule a consultation.