Bunions are a common forefoot deformity that occurs at the big toe joint. They form when the first metatarsal, the long bone of the toes, shifts, causing the big toe to angle outward and creating a bony bump or prominence on the inner side of the foot. This can lead to friction, inflammation, and pain from footwear, notes Dr. Adriana Ávila Salgado, orthopedics and traumatology specialist at ABC Medical Center.
While it’s a common belief that walking barefoot on cold floors can cause bunions, it is actually a myth, temperature has nothing to do with their development.
Several theories explain what causes bunions, but no single cause is definitive. Genetics may play a role, so if a family member has had one, you may be at risk too. Stress on the feet, foot injuries, and birth deformities have also been linked to their development.
Additionally, risk factors include wearing improper footwear; shoes with narrow toe boxes or those that are too tight or narrow are more likely to lead to bunions. This may help explain why women develop bunions more often, along with maternal genetic predisposition.
Mexico’s Ministry of Health notes that this condition affects women more frequently than men (five women for every man). It typically appears between ages 30 and 40 and is often associated with hammertoes, calluses, and other changes to the sole of the foot.
Night splints are commonly mentioned as a treatment for bunions, but this product doesn’t actually help with the condition, it can even cause additional discomfort on top of the bunion itself, notes Dr. Ávila.
However, other effective treatment options exist. One is orthopedic insoles, designed to reduce pressure on the affected area and helpful for patients with flat feet or those just beginning to develop mild toe deformity.
If conservative treatment, such as orthopedic insoles, doesn’t work, or if the pain starts to interfere with daily life or prevents the person from playing sports, surgery may be considered.
An orthopedic surgeon trained in this area performs the procedure to realign the deformity and stabilize the joint.
While it may sound painful, bunion surgery today uses local anesthesia, anti-inflammatory medications, and other approaches to keep patients comfortable and pain-free, patients can even walk the same day with the support of a special surgical shoe.
To help prevent this condition, especially if a family member already has it, switch to appropriate footwear, limit high-heel use as much as possible, and see a doctor if you notice any early changes in the big toe.
At ABC Medical Center’s Orthopedics and Trauma Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
