Bunion Candidates:
Who gets bunions? Although anyone can develop bunions during his or her lifetime, certain groups experience greater susceptibility to the condition.
Bunions tend to worsen over time, so being aware of your individual risk factors can help you stay alert and catch bunions when they are in their early stages. Being informed can lead to having preventative treatments earlier during the course of this foot ailment.
Bunions are problematic in that they cause both physical and mental distress. Not only do people suffering from a foot bunion experience pain when performing everyday activities like walking, dancing or running, but they may also feel embarrassed about unsightly protrusions on their feet.
If you think you may be in danger of developing bunions, don’t hesitate to contact the podiatrists at La Peer Health Systems’ Bunion Center of Excellence. Contact us today at (888) 552-9732 or send an email to schedule a consultation with an experienced foot doctor (podiatrist).
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Groups with Increased Risk of Developing Bunions
Some people are more likely to experience bunions than others, including:
- Women
- Family members of people with bunions
- People with rheumatoid arthritis or gout
- People with Type 2 Diabetics
- Patients with certain foot types
- Patients who excessively pronate during walking or running
Women are nine times more likely than men to develop bunions, according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. This statistic is due, in part, to the fact that women have a greater propensity for wearing high heels and other ill-fitting shoes. Prolonged exposure to improper footwear can result in the toes being forced into unnatural positions and bunions forming.
Also certain shoes accentuate foot pronation, a type of walking that causes instability of the big toe joint. Women may also have a higher chance of developing bunions because of the female hormone estrogen, which can actually cause foot ligaments to loosen and lead to the formation of bunions.
Because bunions are a hereditary condition, family members of bunion sufferers and people with other foot deformities may have an increased chance of developing bunions.
Certain inherited foot types result in more pressure being put on the joints and tendons. If a close relative suffered from bunions, you may have a greater susceptibility for the condition.
Rheumatoid arthritis and gout are both believed to cause bunions due to inflammation in the joints. If you suffer from one of these conditions, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a board-certified podiatrist at the Bunion Center of Excellence to protect your feet and toes.
People with Type 2 Diabetes may also have an increased risk of developing bunions and other foot problems. If you suffer from diabetes, feel free to contact our doctors for information about protecting your feet from bunions.
Also, as a diabetic you may be suffering from poor circulation in the feet and/or numbness in the foot, ankle or lower leg, a condition called peripheral neuropathy. These conditions can very commonly cause diabetic foot ulcers or wounds, a painless condition caused by abnormal forces and friction against shoes at areas of the foot with bunions or other boney prominences/deformities.
Usually the patient has no pain or awareness while the ulcer is occurring due to the numbness that is present. If you have diabetes, you are at an increased risk for developing foot ulcers. Please call La Peer Health Systems to schedule a foot screening so that any trouble areas can be properly addressed.
How to Prevent Bunions?
There is no clear way to prevent the formation of bunions, since they are most often hereditary. However, you can lower your risk for developing bunions by wearing proper shoes that fit correctly, and by treating any existing conditions of the foot during their earliest stages.
Additionally, you can help prevent the progression and growth of existing bunions by seeking treatment when the bunion first develops. A board-certified podiatrist can determine the appropriate treatment option for you, and help prevent your bunion from becoming larger.
Frequently Asked Questions [Bunion Candidates]
Q: What medical conditions and disorders may increase my risk of developing bunions?
A: A number of diseases and medical conditions may increase your risk of developing bunions. Women suffer a higher risk than men. Additionally, people with arthritis, type 2 diabetes, gout, cerebral palsy, MS, flatfeet and other foot and toe deformities may be more susceptible to the condition.
Q: If a woman wears comfortable shoes, is she certain to avoid bunions?
A: Women who wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes may still be at risk of bunions, as the female hormone estrogen is believed to be a causative factor in bunion formation.Also, certain foot types which cause abnormal pronation during walking or running can cause bunion deformities.
Q: Can orthotics reduce my risk of developing bunions?
A: While orthotics won’t prevent bunions, they may help keep them from getting worse by controlling abnormal pronation while you walk.
Q: Do certain jobs raise my risk of developing bunions?
A: Having a job or hobby that puts a significant burden on the feet can raise your risk for developing bunions.
Q: Can young people develop bunions?
A: Children and adults of any age may develop bunions. That’s why proper foot care is essential at every age.
Contact a Bunion Expert in Los Angeles
If you want to know more about who gets bunions, or if you’re experiencing foot pain and discomfort now, contact the Bunion Center of Excellence for a consultation. Our podiatrists are highly experienced and can expertly treat your condition. Contact us at (888) 552-9732 or fill out our online contact form and a representative from our office will be in touch with you shortly.
Don’t keep this important information about bunion risk factors and prevention to yourself! Share this article with your friends and loved ones to help them stay informed and take proactive steps to protect their foot health. Together, we can spread awareness and promote healthy habits that prevent bunions and other foot problems. Click the share button now and make a difference in someone’s life!
Next, learn more about Bunion Anatomy and Progression.
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