BUNION CAUSES |
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Bunions may form as a result of abnormal
motion of the foot during walking or running. One common example of
an abnormal movement is an excessive amount of stress placed upon
the inside of the foot. This leads to friction and irritation of the
involved structures. Age has also been noted as a factor in
developing bunions, in part because the underlying bone displacement
worsens over time unless corrective measures are taken.
Wearing improperly fitting shoes, especially those with a narrow toe
box and excessive heel height, often causes the formation of a
bunion. This forefoot deformity is seen more often in women than men.
The higher frequency in females may be related to the strong link
between footwear fashion and bunions. In fact, in a recent survey of
more than 350 women, nearly 90% wore shoes that were at least one
size too small or too narrow.
Because genetic factors can predispose people to the hallux valgus
bone displacement, a strong family history of bunions can increase
the likelihood of developing this foot disorder. Various arthritic
conditions and several genetic and neuromuscular diseases, such as
Down syndrome and Marfan syndrome, cause muscle imbalances that can
create bunions from displacement of the first metatarsal and big
toe. Other possible causes of bunions are leg-length discrepancies,
with the bunion present on the longer leg, and trauma occurring to
the joint of the big toe.
Symptoms of bunions include the common signs of inflammation such as
redness, swelling, and pain. The discomfort is primarily located
along the inside of the foot just behind the big toe. Because of
friction, a callus may develop over the bunion. If an overlapping of
the toes is allowed, additional rubbing and pain occurs.
Inflammation of this area causes a decrease in motion with
associated discomfort in the joint between the big toe and the first
metatarsal. If allowed to worsen, the skin over the bunion may break
down causing an ulcer, which also presents a problem of potential
infection. (Foot ulcers can be particularly dangerous for people
with diabetes, who may have trouble feeling the ulcer forming and
healing if it becomes infected.) |
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| BUNION RELATED ITEMS |
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