Do you notice a bump in your big toe that causes pain whenever you move or walk? If yes, you might have developed a bunion. It is a common foot issue that occurs from a combination of several factors, like injury, heredity, structural issues in your feet, etc. Fortunately, it is treatable with home remedies and other treatment options. Learn what causes bunions and when you should seek medical help to manage bunions in this article.
Causes
Bunions aren’t caused by one factor but a combination of several factors, such as:
- Heredity: If you inherited a structural deformity in your foot, it can be a major contributing factor to your risk of developing a bunion.
- Health conditions: Some health conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, cause inflammation that contributes to the development of bunions. Sometimes, conditions like polio can affect the nerves and muscles of the foot, leading to bunions.
- Foot structural issues: If you have a low arch or uneven weight-bearing issues in the foot and tendon it makes the toe joint unstable and causes bunions. Similarly, having a large toe bone that moves more than usual can cause bunions.
- Shoes: Wearing high heels or tight shoes can put pressure on the big toe or tighten your feet which can lead to bunions easily. That’s why it is more common in women than men.
- Leg length: If one of your legs is longer than the other, it may put extra pressure on the leg which may lead to the development of a bunion on the big toe of the longer one.
These factors can lead to you putting extra pressure/weight on the big toe joint over time, which pushes the joint out of its natural alignment and toward the other toes. Eventually, a bunion occurs on the affected joint when your body compensates for the toe being pushed out of its usual place.
While anyone can develop a bunion, certain groups of people are more prone to developing bunions, including:
- Females
- People whose parents have bunions or issues in foot mechanics. More than 70% of people develop bunions for this reason.
- People prone to foot injuries (including athletes).
Symptoms
The most common bunion symptom is the bump at the base of the big toe. Sometimes, it can occur at the base of the little toe. Other bunion symptoms you may experience include:
- Pain and soreness in the big toe.
- Swelling at the joint of the affected toe.
- Numbness in or around the big toe.
- A burning sensation whenever you bend your toe.
- Corn or calluses (skin thickness at the base of the affected toe).
- Redness or discoloration.
- Inability to move the affected toe.
- Difficulty wearing certain types of shoes because it makes the pain worse.
- Hammertoes (painfulness, tightness on toe tendons and joints).
- Hardened skin under the foot.
Diagnosis
To diagnose bunions, your doctor first performs a physical exam to examine your foot and asks you about your symptoms and medical history. You should tell your doctor when you first notice a bump in your big toe or what activities make it worse. After examination, your doctor may refer you to a podiatrist, a doctor who specializes in treating foot problems. A podiatrist may use foot X-rays to determine what causes bunions and to check the overall alignment of your bones and your MTP (metatarsophalangeal) joint.
When to seek help
You should seek help for bunions when you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Pain in your foot or big toe.
- Difficulty walking or moving.
- A noticeable bump on your big toe joint or near the base of your big toe.
- Swelling in or around your toes.
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit properly due to a bunion.
Bunions are a very common foot condition, which occurs when something pushes on your big toe which changes its natural alignment towards other toes. Over time, you develop a bony bump around the joint where your big toe meets the foot. This can cause several symptoms along with pain. However, it is manageable with some home remedies and treatments. Just seek medical attention when you notice the above-mentioned bunion symptoms to ensure you get timely attention.
If you need help with foot problems, visit our podiatry clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!!! Doral Health & Wellness employs Podiatrists with extensive education and expertise. Trauma to the tendons, muscles, and bones of the foot is quite common. It is not a good idea to put off seeing Foot Doctor Brooklyn until you are in a lot of pain. Our address is 1797 Pitkin Avenue, New York, NY 11212. To make an appointment, please call +1-718-367-2555 or send an email toinfo@doralhw.org.
