Guide To The Causes And Complications Of Bunions
Bunions occur when a bony and painful bump develops inside the foot at the joint of the big toe. This condition develops slowly over time when ongoing pressure on the joint of the big toe makes the toe lean unnaturally closer to the second toe. As this leaning continues, the bone structure changes, which causes a bump. The bump gets bigger over time, and eventually it becomes painful to walk and wear shoes. Though anyone can develop a bunion, they are more commonly found in women. Ill-fitting and narrow shoes are common causes, especially shoes that squeeze the toe. There are also injuries and conditions that can increase the chances of developing a bunion. Bunion pain can often be relieved by wearing wider shoes.
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Foot Injuries
Foot injuries and stress on the foot can lead to a bunion. If individuals wear narrow shoes that squeeze their toes, the big toe is more likely to be pushed toward the second toe. This squeezing causes an injury that, over time, leads to the development of a bunion. The anatomy of a bunion occurs when the first metatarsal bone found in the foot pushes outward, causing the big toe to point inward, which leads to a bump. Any injury caused by compression to the foot can lead to a bunion. With that said, bunions typically develop due to repeated stress on the foot over time. Toes wrapped too tightly while an individual is recovering from a foot injury has the potential to lead to a bunion. If an individual's shoes are narrow enough to cause pain when they wear them, especially when they wear them for long periods, they might be leading to a bunion. Bunions are most likely to develop when the foot is squeezed into a narrow shoe.
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Congenital Deformities
Some bunions can be the result of congenital deformities. In these cases, the bunions might not develop over time, and may instead just be part of the foot's natural shape. Congenital deformities also increase an individual's risk of developing a bunion. Even if the bunion isn't present at birth, the foot bones of someone with congenital deformities may be more likely to shift with pressure than someone without the deformities. Two types of bunions have been identified by experts: congenital and acquired. A congenital bunion is acquired. The majority of patients with this bunion notice it during their teen years. A lot of congenital bunions are non-progressive, which means they don't get worse over time, unlike acquired bunions. As long as a congenital bunion doesn't cause pain, it can be supported by a properly fitted shoe without needing surgery. Some individuals with congenital bunions might benefit from orthotics. However, as long as the right footwear is used, congenital bunions are unlikely to cause ongoing painful symptoms for the patient.
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Foot Type
The type of foot an individual has seems to play a role in the development of bunions. Individuals might be more susceptible to developing a bunion due to genetics. Some are also just born with a bunion because of how their foot is formed. If an individual had a parent who developed a bunion, they might have a higher risk of developing one as well. The reasoning for this isn't one hundred percent clear. One theory is that some individuals have bones that can shift more easily than others, particularly in the foot. Another theory is that some individuals might have feet that aren't easily shaped for the majority of footwear. To avoid developing a bunion, individuals might need to get specialized footwear or need to take more care with where they shop. Individuals with wider feet might be more susceptible to developing a bunion if they don't specifically buy wide shoes. Wide-set toes are more likely to be compressed by regular and narrow shoes, particularly if they're wearing footwear like high heels. Many shoes women wear professionally in the office can increase the chances of developing a bunion.
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Bursitis
One of the potential complications from bunions is bursitis, a painful condition that occurs when there is inflammation of the pads cushioning the joints. These sacs are called bursae, and they're found in various places throughout the body. The repetitive pressure and ongoing warping of the shape of the foot can lead to inflammation in the toe joint. When bursitis occurs not as a result of bunions, it's most common to appear in the hip, elbow, and shoulder. Pain from bunion-induced bursitis usually occurs around the base of the big toe. A condition similar to a bunion can happen with the pinkie toe, which can also lead to bursitis in that joint. If individuals experience bunion-induced bursitis, one of the first courses of action is to get better and more cushioned footwear. Resting the joint is also recommended. The pain from bursitis tends to stop within a couple of weeks, but some individuals experience recurring flareups. A bunion with bursitis might look red and swollen in addition to protruding.
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Hammertoe
Another potential complication of bunions is hammertoe, which is a further deformity of the foot. Hammertoe is an abnormal bend in a toe's middle joint. With bunions, it tends to occur in the second toe due to the pressure of having the first toe pushed against it. Hammertoe can lead to further pain and pressure in the foot. The abnormal bend can add to the pressure individuals experience when they wear shoes, especially if the shoe doesn't have a roomy toe box. Hammertoe might make the toe look like it's curled or bent even when it's straight. Aside from bunions, hammertoe is most commonly caused by an imbalance in the muscles and tendons of the foot. Improperly fitting shoes can aggravate a hammertoe, but the pain tends to lessen once individuals have shoes that fit. Some patients might benefit from specialized orthotics.