Causes of Bunions

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a deformity of the big toe and the first metatarsal bone, which sits just behind the big toe. The metatarsal bone protrudes out towards the inside of the foot, forming a prominence which becomes painful. The big toe pushes towards the second toe and thus this deformity is known as a bunion deformity.

How does a bunion form?

Most bunions occur due to genetics. This appears to be an evolutionary problem. The mechanics of bunion are that there is weakness in the big toe joint known as the first MTP joint. The metatarsal therefore becomes unstable and deviates towards the inside of the foot, pushing the big toe towards the second toe.

Risk factors for bunions:

Usually having a genetic predisposition is the main risk factor. Otherwise, wearing poor footwear including high heels for prolonged periods or tight footwear can exacerbate the problem and cause some pressure towards the big toe so that it progresses more quickly.

Therefore, wearing appropriate footwear with a more square toe box and plenty of room for your forefoot reduces the risk of the bunion progressing quickly.

Long-term bunion foot can result in progressive arthritic changes within the big toe joint where it becomes stiff. Most people present with pain around the big toe joint or the prominence causing footwear difficulty in the long term.

The foot becomes generally wider and unstable, and you may develop other problems such as hammertoes as well as pain around the big toe joint.

In severe cases, ulceration around the big toe and first metatarsal can develop.

Conclusion: What is the main cause of bunions?

The main cause of bunions appears to be genetic but exacerbated by poor footwear.

FAQs

Q. How do you get rid of bunions that are forming?

A. Surgery is the only solution for correcting bunion deformities. More recently, advances have resulted in minimally invasive surgery that can help correct the deformity and prevent recurrence. It is very successful in most patients.

Q. Why do humans get bunions?

A. Humans have developed over the years genetically where they don’t use their foot for picking things up, but for walking only. There is some discussion among specialists that from an evolutionary perspective, humans did use their feet differently in the past and this is a part of the weakness due to evolution.

Q. How long does it take for a bunion to go away on its own?

A. Bunions don’t go away on their own. They can be stopped in terms of progression with using insoles and proper footwear, but mostly will require surgery to correct them.

Q. How long does it take to recover from bunionectomy?

A. A bunionectomy procedure usually involves cutting and resecting the bone known as an osteotomy, and this can be performed by minimally invasive surgery. It takes first two weeks of complete rest with six to eight weeks to make recovery to return to most activity, although some sort of swelling and persistence of discomfort may last for a few months before you make full recovery.