Are you wondering if you’re at risk of developing bunions? Looking at the statistics, recent studies have shown that nearly 23% of people ranging from 18 to 65 years of age have developed bunions. When you look at populations 65 and older, that percentage jumps to nearly 35%.

While bunions are sometimes perceived as an inevitable condition pertaining to growing older, similarly to how arthritis is sometimes perceived, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Avoiding the development of bunions as we grow older can become a difficult task, but considering bunions are a bone deformity, they are anything but natural or inevitable. Among the statistics previously mentioned, a good portion of those individuals affected by bunion development has inherited their vulnerability to this deformity through their relatives. This means that someone whose grandmother and mother have both developed bunions is much more prone to developing bunions themselves. It ‘runs in the family,’ so to speak!

What can cause bunions to develop?

Shoes - when you wear unsupportive shoes, shoes that are too tight, or shoes that put immense pressure on your toes (i.e., high heels), this can trigger the development of a bunion deformity.

Genetics - look at the toes in your family! If two or more family members have bunions, it’s possible that bunion development could be hereditary.

Arthritis - folks with arthritis often develop issues in their extremities first. This includes our toes which can develop bunions due to the onset of arthritis.

Bunions can be caused by several different factors, but they all lead to the same result: a bony growth on the outer edge of your big toe that pushes the toe inward, causing pain and tenderness. Once bunions have become noticeable or painful, there isn’t much you can do to reverse the deformity besides surgical intervention. While surgery isn’t always necessary, there are ways to help it feel better and prevent it from worsening! This is where Dr. Adam Mucinskas comes in at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC. Call us today at (860) 632-5499 to schedule an appointment.