Are Bunions Genetic?
A bunion or "bunions" are essentially a bony outgrowth of the joint at your big toe that can cause pain and swelling. They are caused by a combination of genetics and structural issues with your foot, as well as footwear. Wearing shoes with a narrow toe box can also make bunions more likely to develop. Other than the initial discomfort of a swollen bunion and the pain that sometimes accompanies it, other symptoms include redness, soreness, burning, and inflammation. It can become painful to stand or walk on the foot any longer than normal. Bunions exponentially worsen without medical intervention — see a podiatrist if you have one that is bothering you.
Regular appointments with a podiatrist are a great way to prevent bunion issues. If you want your feet to stay pain-free and healthy, it's important to keep an eye out for any signs of bunion formation. Don't just wait for the issue to develop — schedule regular checkups with a trusted podiatrist. It's better to catch the problem early and allow an expert to correct it before it develops further.
What Is a Bunion?
The inflammatory enlargement of what is known as the first metatarsophalangeal joint (the bones that connect the big toe to your foot) causes a bunion, or an unsightly swelling at the base of your big toe. As the joint becomes inflamed, it can begin to push outwards, causing pain and discomfort in your foot.
Why Do Bunions Form?
The inflammatory bunion typically takes a long time to develop. There are several things that can lead to the onset of a bunion, including hereditary genetic factors and physical stress on the feet such as wearing uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes.
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, a doctor or podiatrist may provide either a blood test or an x-ray to help diagnose bunions. Doctors will order both tests to determine if another condition is causing your foot pain in many cases.
Talk to your podiatrist today if you'd like more information about bunions or treatment options.
How Are Bunions Treated?
Pain caused by bunions can be managed with a few simple lifestyle changes: rest your feet, wear wider shoes and get anti-inflammatory medication. If these treatments don't work, you may want to consider wearing orthotics or foot inserts. These are in-shoe supports that treat conditions like bunion pain by redistributing the pressure on your feet.
If you've had bunion pain for a long period of time, talk to your podiatrist about what sorts of treatment you could try. Some people find relief from wearing wider shoes and changing the type of shoe they wear. You could also try anti-inflammatory or pain management drugs or have surgery.
If you have any feet-related questions, please don't hesitate to call our clinic. We utilise the latest technologies to provide you with the highest quality podiatry service, both in our clinics and through The Foot Company!