What causes bunions, and how can you get rid of them?
Sore and unsightly, bunions make walking a lot more difficult. The stiffness and tenderness caused by bunions can make getting around a real pain. The trouble with bunions is that they can happen to anyone—not just adults—although around a third of adults are suspected to suffer from them. But even adolescents can be susceptible.
What do we know about what causes these lumps to form on the foot, and how can you get rid of them once they've appeared? Click on to discover what you can do to prevent bunions, and how to treat them if you get them.
What's a bunion?
When the big toe is pulled out of line, towards the other toes rather than straight ahead, a bony lump can form at the main big toe joint. This is called a bunion.
A bunion forms over time with repeated bending, as the bone alignment is continually challenged, which can lead to painful results.
Slow development
As many bunions develop slowly over time, a person who has one forming might not notice any problems. However, others can find the area becomes inflamed, calloused, or causes pain.
Who is affected?
People of every age, ethnicity, and fitness level can unfortunately suffer from bunions. Generally, they seem to be more common among women and the elderly.
An acquired deformity
Despite the fact a bunion is an acquired deformity, they're commonly found to run in families. This is because leg shape and foot structure are passed down.
Causes
Certain types of shoes we wear can also lead to dreaded bunions. Shoes that are too tight, or ones that have high heels, seem to make the problem even worse.
Foot shape
The shape of the foot also plays a role in the likelihood of developing a bunion. There are three main categories of foot shape.
Egyptian foot shape
Those with an Egyptian foot shape are more likely to suffer from bunions compared to the others, as more stress is placed on the big toe.
Early signs
Clearer signs might include a bump on the side of your big toe, or a toe being overturned at an angle/overlapping with another toe.
Thickened skin might be present at the base of the big toe, and the first or second toe might have calluses or corns due to the toes being cramped and experiencing friction.
Bunion pain
The pain caused by bunions is experienced differently by different people. It might only occasionally flare up, or it might be more frequent and feel mild to severe.
Nerves and crowding
If the joint suffering from a bunion is pressed against a nerve, this can cause shooting pain. Where toes are cramped, crowding might occur, leading to a painful condition called hammertoe.
Treatment options
If you discover a bunion, your doctor can discuss treatment options with you. Surgery is not usually required in most cases.
At-home relief
Massaging the feet and using heat therapy such as hot water can bring relief at home. Wearing shoe inserts can lessen friction, and taking ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation.
Pharmacy products
Padding, taping, or splinting the toe is made possible by products sold over the counter at pharmacies. It's important to remember this is only a temporary solution.
