Ankle & Foot Center of Fox Valley in Naperville, IL, and Dr. Nancy Jagodzinski have the experience and expertise to handle many health problems. For example, we can help with bunions to ensure your feet are healthy. But what exactly is a bunion? Understanding the answer to this question and more can ensure that your feet stay strong.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is a bony lump that can form on the base of the big toe of either of your feet. It typically develops when bones in the front of your foot change position and cause your big toe to get pulled toward the smaller one. When a bunion develops, the base of your big toe will stick out, and the skin will become red, sore, and potentially very painful.

When people develop a bunion, it’s typically the result of long-term underlying issues that can affect the health and stability of their feet. For example, arthritis, foot deformities, and genetic predisposition can open you up to this problem. Understanding these triggers on a deeper level can help you reduce your risk of developing a bunion in the future.

What Causes a Bunion?

Many issues may cause bunions. Some are things within your control, while others are not. Understanding these issues can help you better understand not only what causes a bunion but whether you’re at risk for them if you haven’t developed one:

• Genetic Predisposition: Some people may inherit a specific foot shape that may lead to a bunion, such as wider feet that don’t fit in many shoes.
• Foot Stress: Heavy stress to the foot (by wearing tight shoes or through repeated injuries) may lead to a bunion and can worsen an existing one.
• Deformities: Many people with a bunion already have foot deformities present at birth that may intensify their bunion development.
• Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases may increase your risk of developing a bunion on the foot.

Risk factors for bunion development include high heels, poorly fitting shoes, jobs that keep you on your feet regularly, poor foot maintenance, and a family history of this issue. While this condition is painful enough in and of itself, it can worsen if left untreated and cause even more severe conditions that could affect your stability and foot health.

Keeping Your Feet Safe

If you want to avoid more painful conditions like hammertoe, bursitis, and metatarsalgia, work with us at Ankle & Foot Center of Fox Valley in Naperville, IL. Dr. Jagodzinski can treat bunions to ensure your feet are healthy and robust. Call us at (630) 778-7670 to learn more about your treatment options and to minimize any health issues.