Bunions are a serious problem that will definitely make you think twice about stepping out of bed in the morning and sliding on your shoes. These painful foot sores can make you seriously consider swapping out your shoes for flip flops and even avoiding having to walk further than just a few steps. The key to bunion treatment is to track down the initial cause of the problem. Here are five surprising reasons you may be dealing with bunions on your feet in the first place.
1. The Shoes You Wear
It is no secret that high heels are infamous for causing bunions for women who have worn them for years. However, even regular shoes can cause problems with bunions. If you wear shoes that are too small, too tight in the toe area, or just generally ill-fitting, this could be the reason why you have bunions. Some people can find relief just by changing the type of shoes they wear.
2. Your Parent's Feet
One thing about bunions that a lot of people do not know is the fact that there can be a genetic reason why they are in place. Some people are genetically predisposed to bunions because of the shape of their feet. For this reason, if your mother, father, or even grandparents had issues with bunions, you may have a logical reason for having problems with them yourself.
3. The Way You Walk
If you have issues, such as leg pain or other foot problems, you may start walking in an abnormal way. This unusual gait can put pressure on the sides of your feet in ways that are unnatural, which can lead to bunions. In some cases, treating one medical issue that is causing gait abnormalities will help alleviate the pressure and pain associated with bunions.
4. The Length of Your Legs
No body is perfectly symmetrical on both sides and it is common for one leg to be just slightly longer than the other. This creates the tendency to favor one foot over the other when standing and walking. In severe cases, the additional pressure on one foot can be a causing factor of bunions.
5. Problems with Your Second Toe
It may look like your big toe does the majority of work when it comes to supporting your weight, but all of your toes play a huge role. If your second toe becomes impaired, either due to an injury or disease, your big toe may bend abnormally to accommodate the loss of support. For example, if your second toe must be amputated, your big toe will curve towards the center of your foot, which can cause more pressure on the side of the big toe.
If you have bunions on your feet, talk to a podiatrist like Camden County Foot & Ankle Center about what type of treatment may be available. It will definitely be helpful if you can help point out what may be causing the bunions so you can find a form of treatment that will work best for you.
Share17 April 2015
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