A bunion involves a small area of your foot that is affected but can cause big-time pain and dysfunction. Many people automatically assume that a bunion develops because of wearing ill-fitting shoes, but this is not always the case. Wearing shoes that don't fit well can exacerbate a bunion, but is generally not the initial cause. The cause of the initial development of a bunion is thought to be inherited and due to poor foot mechanics. Our team of skilled podiatrists at Potomac Podiatry Group treat bunions often in Woodbridge, Sterling, Chantilly, VA, and Crofton, MD.
What Is A Bunion?
Bunions usually develop on the inside of the foot when the big toe joint dislocates. The angle of the big toe after it dislocates leads to a bump at the base of the big toe joint where it meets the rest of the foot. At times, a bunion will progress so severely that the only option is for the big toe to lie on top of the second toe, known as the crossover toe.
What Causes a Bunion To Develop?
Abnormal stresses to the foot from faulty foot structures are the cause of bunions. Experts are not certain why one person will develop a bunion and others will not. Many podiatrists believe that the development of bunions is an inherited trait, resulting from:
- Excessively lax ligaments (common during pregnancy)
- The abnormal bone structure of the foot
- Flat feet
- Very tight Achilles tendons
- Other foot deformities present from birth
- Inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis
A bunion can certainly develop from a non-hereditary cause, such as an accident involving the foot or other trauma.
What Can Worsen a Bunion?
Anything that places unnecessary pressure on your foot when walking may lead to the worsening of a bunion. We've stated that poorly fitting shoes are generally not the cause of developing a bunion initially, but they do play a big role in the progression of a bunion. This can happen when vulnerable feet are squeezed into pointy-toed shoes, high heels, and other shoes with narrow toes.
Also, if you are in an occupation that requires a lot of standing and walking, you may be susceptible to developing a bunion in Woodbridge, and Chantilly, VA due to the repetitive stress on your feet. And if you are not wearing supportive, well-fitting, comfortable shoes, this can be a recipe for disaster. Wearing high heels may be an explanation as to why women are more likely to suffer from bunions.
Contact Us
Treat your bunions in Woodbridge, Sterling, Chantilly, VA, and Crofton, MD with our team of podiatrists at Potomac Podiatry Group. Call for more information today at (703) 583-5959 for the office in Woodbridge, VA, (703) 490-5599 for the office in Chantilly, VA, (703) 444-9555 for the office in Sterling, VA, and (410) 721-4505 for the office in Crofton, MD.