Bunions are painful, bony bumps that form on the joints of your feet. They usually occur on the joint next to the big toe or on the joint next to the pinky toe. Bunions are caused by your big toe pressing against the adjacent toe, forcing the joint to enlarge and become painful. Bunions do not go away on their own; they require treatment from a podiatrist. But how do they form, and how do you prevent them? Our podiatrist answers these questions to help you learn more about what causes bunions in Flagstaff, AZ.

Main Causes of Bunions

#1: Bad Shoes

The biggest cause of bunions is wearing shoes that are too narrow and rub up against the outside of your feet. They can also cause toes to overlap, creating pressure on the joints in your toes. Over time, stress is placed on the bone with repeated movement and irritation occurs.

#2: Genetics

Bunions can also develop if you have a structural defect in your foot. These are generally inherited and cannot be prevented. Another problem that can cause bunions to form is arthritis. Arthritis damages the cartilage in the joint and makes you susceptible to bunions. However, you can take preventive measures to avoid or reduce the risk of developing them.

Symptoms of Bunions

Aside from the obvious bony bump on your joints and the pain associated with it, you may also experience other symptoms related to bunions:

• Restricted movement of the big toe
• Stiffness or difficulty moving your toes
• Callus or corn between your big toe and the adjacent toe
• Swelling around your big toe

If you notice any of these symptoms, look into treatment for bunions immediately.

Treatments for Bunions

The first thing you should do is get proper fitting shoes that allow movement of your toes. As the bunion heals, you can use bunion cushions to relieve pressure on the joint. If these treatments don’t work and the bunion becomes severe enough, you may have to undergo foot surgery to remove the affected tissue. If treated properly early on by our podiatrist, this should be avoidable.

If you’ve suffered from bunions in the past, watch out for re-growth and contact our podiatrist if necessary.

Learn More About Common Foot Issues in Flagstaff, AZ – Contact Us Today!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other podiatry topics, feel free to contact Flagstaff Foot Doctors by clicking here or by calling 928-774-4825.