Bunion Causes & Risks

Causes

Bunions are caused by a deformity of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe. This causes instability of the joint.

Deformity can be caused by:

Flat feet, which transfer too much weight to the MTP joint
Narrow-toed shoes and high heels
Certain neuromuscular diseases ( Down and Marfan syndromes)
Activities that put undue stress on the feet, such as ballet

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for a bunion include:

Family members who have foot abnormalities
Sex: female
Diabetes

You should seek medical attention if you have diabetes and you are having problems with your feet.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.