Definition of Bunions

With a bunion (also known as a Hallux valgus or big toe turning outward), the base of the Great Toe/"Big Toe" (the metatarsophalangeal joint) gets larger and protrudes (sticks out). This condition usually begins when the "Big Toe" starts moving toward the smaller toes. This crowding (most likely caused by shoes that are too tight and ill-fitting) puts pressure on the Metatarsophalangeal joint and pushes it outward and beginning the formation of the bunion. More than half of the women in America suffer from this foot condition primarily because most women wear improperly fitted shoes.

However, it should be noted that this foot condition does run in families, therefore certain individuals may be predisposed to developing it. It is the particular foot type that is hereditary, not the bunion itself. Individuals with "Flat Feet" or "Low Arches" may be more prone to developing bunions than those with higher arches. While the most common location of a bunion may be at the base of the "Big Toe" it may also form at the base of the "Little Toe". A bunion formed at this location is referred to as a "Bunionette" or a "Tailor's Bunion".

Possible Causes of Bunions

Arthritis - (older people are susceptible to developing this condition due to the higher incidence of Arthritis affecting the "Big Toe" joint).

Heredity - (this condition does run in families).

Improperly Fitted Footwear: (Wearing shoes that are too tight and do not provide the appropriate space for the toes or allow for the proper range of motion of the entire foot may be a contributing factor. Wearing high-heels is especially stressful on the joints of the foot because in such a shoe the weight of the body rests at the metatarsophalang heal joint and the foot is forced into the narrow portion of a pointed toe box.)