What Causes Bunions and How Can I Avoid Them?

Bunions are a foot problem that leads to everyday pain and discomfort. A bunion is a deformity that develops over time, usually as a result of wearing shoes or heels that don't fit properly.

Wearing poorly fitted shoes is just one reason why bunions form, but there are other causes as well. Today, board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Suzanne Levine will discuss what causes bunions and how they can be avoided using simple measures, like custom orthotics.

If you have a bunion deformity that's causing persistent pain or restricted movement, call Millennium Podiatry to meet with a foot specialist in New York City, NY. Our goal is to help you enjoy virtually pain-free mobility and a healthy, active lifestyle.

What causes bunions?

So, what causes bunions? Bunions are mainly caused by footwear that's too short or narrow for your feet. If you consistently wear shoes, boots, or heels that are too tight, they're likely to force pressure into the big toe joint.

Bunions also develop as a result of heredity. Some people have a genetic predisposition for bunions because of the natural shape of their feet. In addition, a bunion is more likely to develop if you have arthritis affecting the joints of your feet.

Over time, your feet may begin to look different because of bunions. The affected toe starts to angle toward the other toes, making it appear longer than normal. Because of this appearance, bunion sufferers often hear comments about how their feet look unusual or deformed.

If you have bunion symptoms, whether it's from wearing shoes that are too tight or heredity, Dr. Levine can help relieve pain and restore function with bunion deformity treatment.

How can I avoid bunions?

It's easy to protect yourself against bunions if you follow some simple rules. First, always wear shoes that fit comfortably. You should be able to wiggle your toes and move them around freely inside the shoe. Make sure there's no pressure on bunion-prone areas before you buy a new pair of shoes or heels.

A foot specialist in New York may recommend conservative treatments, like shoe inserts or orthotics, to help protect your feet and prevent pain. If you have a bunion that's difficult to treat with over-the-counter inserts, Dr. Levine may prescribe custom orthotics to fit your feet and shoes perfectly.

Do you offer treatment for bunion deformity?

Millennium Podiatry does offer more comprehensive solutions for bunions. Depending on the severity of the bunion deformity, Dr. Levine may recommend injections at the base of the big toe. This can temporarily relieve pain and other bunion symptoms that prevent you from enjoying normal activities.

Surgical bunion correction is another option for patients with severe pain or restricted movement. Dr. Levine can repair the big toe without long hospital stays or time in recovery. We are usually very successful in restoring normal function and preventing future bunion deformities.

Prevent bunion pain from affecting your life

Bunions are often a result of ill-fitting footwear or genetics. If you have frequent pain around the big toe joint or other bunion symptoms, a foot specialist in New York City, NY, can help you find relief. Call for a consultation with board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Suzanne Levine. The professionals at Millennium Podiatry can diagnose and treat bunions and other common foot ailments.