Why do bunions form?
What are bunions?
Bunions are a common ailment, especially in women, with the main causes of concern being foot aesthetics, pain and deformity, resulting in the need for special footwear. Bunions are caused by a problem in the joint at the base of the big toe.
Before going further, it is important to know that there are five metatarsals in each foot that continue with the phalanges of each toe. A bunion is the consequence of the first metatarsal deviating outwards. The only definitive option to correct it is usually hallux valgus surgery.
As a result of this deviation, a bony protrusion forms in the lateral area of the foot, causing what are known as bunions.
What factors cause bunions to develop?
The appearance of bunions can be due to several factors, among which we find genetic predisposition along with other added factors. The most common factors are:
Genetic predisposition
Genetic predisposition is not particularly related to congenital bunions, but what is inherited is the type of foot that is prone to Hallux Valgus, which is the deviation of the foot bone that causes the bony protrusion, which in the long run will cause the bunion.
Type of stride
The way we walk is one of the factors that favours the appearance of Hallux Valgus due to the fact that with each step, the whole weight of the body exerts pressure on the metatarsal joint area, which is prone to deviation and the subsequent cause of bunions. To avoid this, it would be necessary to use insoles or special shoes to correct the footprint from an early age.
Weight gain
Being overweight is also one of the factors that contribute to the development of hallux valgus and, consequently, bunions, mainly due to the pressure exerted on the metatarsophalangeal joint. This is particularly visible during pregnancy, during which a lot of weight is gained in a short period of time.
Footwear
The use of excessively tight footwear, causing pressure from one toe to the other, can favour the appearance of bunions. This is one of the reasons why the incidence of bunions is usually higher in women than in men, due to the use of narrow shoes by women. As a curiosity, the incidence of bunions is also very high in ballet dancers due to both the footwear and the effort they make.
In addition to the discomfort and pain caused by bunions, there is the possibility of additional malformations in the foot, which will require much more complex surgery to repair. It is therefore better to solve the problem of Hallux Valgus, which is the cause of bunions, as soon as possible to avoid problems and major surgeries.
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