What Are the Causes of a Bunion?
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The Effects of Bunions
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Painful deformities on the top of the first metatarsal bone of the big toe---bunions---are caused by joint enlargement. This is due to the sac known as the bursa filling with fluid in the connective tissue. Thickening and inflammation result, as well as toe misalignment. As the bursa rubs against footwear, it causes pressure and friction, which creates more inflammation and pain.
Tight Shoes
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Most bunions are caused by tight shoes, such as high heels and other narrow-toed footwear. Because of a high heel's slanting foot shape and narrow toe, this shoe style is especially damaging to toes. The slope of the shoes forces the foot's front into the slender toe pack at an unnatural angle. Toes can grow permanently modified to the position, which can result in the formation of a bunion.
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Heredity
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Although bunions aren't inherited, you can inherit a defective foot bone structure. Inheriting stiff ligaments, which make feet and ankles rigid, can also lead to bunions. The bones and ligaments comprising the arches and joints of the foot should be flexible and mobile. However, when they they're moved out of alignment because of improper foot function, too much pressure is placed on the big toe joint.
Arthritis
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Arthritic pain from pressure within toe joints can also cause bunions. Joint swelling, because of arthritis, can alter the position of the bone. A form of arthritis known as gout can cause excess acid crystals to accumulate in joints located in the big toe, leading to inflammation. Joint deformities linked from body fatigue caused by rheumatoid arthritis can also occur.
Physical Activities and Injuries
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Some activities such as ballet dancing put extra pressure on toe joints, which can increase the odds for developing bunions. Repetitive walking on the same type of flat surface, such as a paved road can cause a repetitive strain injury resulting in bunions. Walking incorrectly can cause bunions. When you walk out of balance, you place undue pressure on joints. Over time, the combination of pressure and irregular movements can make joints unstable and cause bunions.
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- Photo Credit Suzanne Tucker
