Understanding Bunions: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors
posted: Aug. 09, 2024.
Bunions are quite common. While they are unlikely to pose a serious risk to your health, they can limit your mobility and cause other issues. Should you live in the general vicinity of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, and find bunions to be a problem, contact Dr. Michael Kim. For now, we'll cover some basic things you should know about bunions. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
How to Know if You Are Suffering Bunions
The symptoms of bunions are usually pretty straightforward. If you’re suffering from a bunion or one is starting to emerge, you’ll notice a lump outside the joint that connects your big toe to the rest of your foot. This lump will typically be bony, and especially as it grows, it can be very sensitive to touch.
Many people first really take note of a bunion when they try to put on a tight pair of shoes. As they slide their shoes on, their feet will come under pressure. If a bunion is present, it could result in throbbing pain. Sometimes the pain will go away rather quickly, other times it’ll get worse.
At first, a bunion may cause pain only at times or the pain may not be severe. As the condition gets worse, however, the pain will increase. It’s wise to seek treatment for bunions in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, by contacting the Grace Foot and Ankle Center.
The Causes and Risk Factors of Bunions
Bunions can be linked to genetic factors. If your family has a history of suffering them, you may be at more risk. This may be linked to the shape of your feet, which can be influenced by your genes. If you’ve suffered foot injuries or are overweight, this could increase both the chances of bunions forming and the severity of discomfort.
Women are also at higher risk of suffering bunions. This is likely due in part to wearing high heels or shoes that are too light. No matter your gender, lifestyle, and genetics, wearing supportive shoes that fit properly can help reduce the risk of bunions forming.
Bunions are typically caused by the big toe being pushed in toward the other toes. The bones and tissues in your feet will continue to grow, and a lump will form. Wear and tear on this tissue can make the condition worse and cause a lot of pain.
Ready to start treating bunions in Rancho Cucamonga, CA? If so, call (909) 858-2772 to reach the Grace Foot and Ankle Center. Left untreated, your condition could get much worse. Early intervention, on the other hand, could safeguard your feet, mobility, and quality of life.