What are Bunions and Why Should You Care?

It’s an onion. It’s a bun. No, its Bunions! 

This odd looking word is actually an odd looking foot condition. Bunions is a bony bump found on the first join of the big toe, and people with this symptom will notice an unnatural leaning of the big toe towards the second toe. The condition that 10% to 25% of people suffer from can develop at any age, and what not many may know is how bunions are actually irreversible. So how do we get bunions, and most importantly, how can we prevent them? 

Look at how the bunion (the bony bump) at the big toe makes it tilt closer to the second toe!

Why do we have Bunions? 

While the exact reason behind bunions is still uncertain, they are generally believed to be hereditary. Other factors like one’s foot structure, lifestyle, footwear choice and occupation have also been suggested to play a role in their development. 

Choices of footwear is essential, mostly for those with conditions like low feet arches, flat feet, or overly-flexible joints and ligaments in your feet as your feet arches tend to flatten  excessively with each step you take. Unless you’re wearing comfortable shoes with arch support to create the shape that our feet are supposed to have, there will be greater pressure on the inner side of your feet and it pushes your big toe towards the second toe, forcing the joint at the base (the possible bunion) to jut out. Over time, the constant pressure on the base of your toe stimulates the bone to enlarge, eventually forming a bunion. 

Which is why shoes with narrow and restrictive toe-boxes and high heels are worse as they displace your body weight to your forefoot. If your job requires you to be on your feet for long hours, perhaps you should opt for comfortable shoes with arch support to reduce any foot pain and not exacerbate any bunions! 

How Do We Deal with Bunions? 

Bunions are permanent! This foot deformity can only go away if surgery is involved. Mild bunions might not be painful in the beginning, but they can hurt and even impede walking as they progress. Moreover, bunions can cause a host of foot pain and other foot problems like corns and hammertoes. 

The number one suggestion when it comes to tackling bunions, as aforementioned, is to choose the right pair of comfortable shoes or comfortable sneakers. Yes, pointy flats and high heels might look cute, but wear them as minimally as possible, or better yet, don’t wear them at all! Choose comfortable shoes that come with wide space in the front, as it allows for more wiggle room and prevents your foot from rubbing against the shoe, which increases the bunion size. If you have flat feet or flatter foot arches, it is pertinent to look for sturdy arch support that fits the contour of your feet! 

Bunion pads and Bunion sleeve 

If your bunions are starting to cause significant discomfort, try to mitigate the pain by wearing comfortable shoes with bunion pads and bunion sleeves. However, if the pain becomes unbearable or if the bunion starts hindering you from your daily activities, please go seek a professional! In severe cases, your doctor might suggest surgical treatment to remove the bunion. 

Hopefully, this has given you some insight of what bunions are and how to avoid or reduce any pain caused by a bunion. Overall, any foot pain should not be ignored and it all starts with your foot health, so always choose a pair of comfortable shoes over fashion statements, you always come first! 

Resources:

10-25% of people suffer from bunions - https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20010208/bunions-can-occur-at-any-age#1

Tendons too tight on one side and too loose on the other can cause bunions - https://www.shorelineortho.com/specialties/joint_ligament_and_muscle_disorders-bunions.php

Useful - https://www.bunioninstitute.com/bunion-basics/all-about-bunions/

Loose joints make feet arch flatten easily - https://www.foundationpodiatry.com.au/bunions/#:~:text=Foot%2Dtype%20%2F%20foot%20posture%20that,cause%20of%20juvenile%20hallux%20valgus. 

Misconceptions about bunions - https://melbournewalkingclinic.com.au/bunions-misconceptions-debunked/

In-depth explanation about how flat feet cause bunions - https://www.inpodiatrygroup.com/library/what-causes-bunions-and-flat-feet-.cfm

Bunions are permanent - https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-ways-to-ease-your-bunions-without-surgery/

About bunion correctors (bunion pads and sleeves) - https://kickschoice.com/do-bunion-correctors-work/