About one-third of adults in the United States have a bunion. These bony, swollen bumps form at the base of the big toe and most commonly affect women, but anyone can experience one.
If you have a bunion, you’ve probably heard various theories about what caused it. While certain shoes and genetics are often blamed, it’s normal to wonder which one is actually responsible.
At A Step Up Podiatry in Manalapan, New Jersey, Sanjay Gandhi, DPM, and our team regularly treat bunions.
Keep reading to learn how genetics and shoes can influence bunion formation, steps you can take to lower your risk, and when to see a doctor for professional help.
Bunions can occur for various reasons, but the two most common culprits are genetics and footwear. Here’s how each of these factors can influence bunion formation:
Studies show that approximately 63% of bunions have a hereditary link. This means that if a close family member, such as your parents or grandparents, had bunions, you’re more likely to experience them as well.
To be clear, no one is born with a bunion. Instead, they form over time due to genetic factors, such as foot shape, bone structure, and walking mechanics (gait). These influences don’t always cause bunions to form, but they may increase your risk. Being aware of them can help you make better footwear decisions and support your mobility.
Bunions form when the big toe joint, or metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, experiences ongoing pressure.
If you wear tight shoes that crowd your toes, like high heels, that persistent pressure can cause your big toe joint to slowly bulge outward, leaving a swollen, hard bump in its place.
Not everyone who wears high heels or other tight shoes will experience a bunion. However, factors such as foot anatomy and walking pattern can accelerate their development and increase your risk.
Bunions typically develop slowly over months or years, so it can be hard to identify them early. Even so, they often cause symptoms if you know what to look for. These symptoms include:
As your big toe joint moves farther outward, a noticeable, bony bulge forms.
There’s no way to prevent bunions, but you can take steps to lower your risk. We recommend:
Certain shoes, such as high heels, place excessive pressure on the big toe joint and increase the likelihood of bunions forming. You don’t have to ditch your favorite shoes, but limiting how often you wear them can help.
Whenever you can, choose supportive shoes with a wide toe box. If you can’t wiggle your toes comfortably, they’re probably too tight. Save high heels and other restrictive footwear for special occasions. Wearing them for a few hours at a time is less likely to cause problems than wearing shoes that squeeze your toes week after week.
Certain stretches and foot exercises can help strengthen the small, intrinsic muscles in your feet and support proper toe alignment. Building these muscles can reduce strain on your big toe joint and lower the risk of bunions.
Bunions develop slowly over extended periods. Checking your feet daily for changes, such as swelling or redness, can help you catch the problem early before it worsens. Early identification can prevent the issue from progressing and help keep your feet pain-free.
Bunions are a common foot problem, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept them as part of your life. If one or both of your big toe joints are red and swollen, the sooner you take action, the better. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent the problem from worsening, ease pain, and support your mobility.
To receive high-quality bunion care, contact our team at A Step Up Podiatry today. Call 732-646-6194 or use this website’s online booking feature to request an appointment.
