Causes of Bunion

Home

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

The deformity, Hallux valgus, runs in families. It is the foot type and not the bunion that is hereditary. People with flatter feet or low arches are also more prone to developing bunions.

Most bunions develop as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Women tend to get more bunions than men, because they are more likely to wear tight, pointed or high-heeled shoes. High heels push most of the weight of the body onto the front of the foot, putting great strain on the toe joints. Women also tend to have looser ligaments, making them slightly more prone to bunions.

Shoes that are tight rub against the joint. This can thicken the skin and tissues and form a bunion. Continuing to wear badly fitting shoes makes the bunion worse.

Bunions can be caused or made worse by arthritis. Arthritis is a condition in which the protective cartilage covering the joints becomes diseased or damaged. The joints are stiff, making it harder to move them, and it can be difficult to straighten out the toes to prevent rubbing against shoes.

Sometimes, bunions develop if one leg is longer than the other, if the ligaments in the feet are very weak, or as a result of injury to the feet. Congenital deformities and neuromuscular disorders, such as cerebral palsy, can also be linked to bunions.

Occupations that put extra stress on your feet can also be a cause. Waitresses, factory workers, dancers and athletes are often more prone to developing bunions.