Bunions - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

What Causes Bunions?

Bunions are usually some sort of structural deformities present in the bones between the foot and big toe and are likely to be painful. The enlarged joint formation that exists at the base of the toe can become inflamed and appear very red while a small fluid filled sac that is adjacent to the affected joint is also likely to become inflamed. The condition is very common and studies have shown that women appear to be affected almost 10 times more frequently than men. Experts believe that certain footwear choices including the wearing of high heeled, narrow toed and tight fitting shoes are likely to significantly contribute to the development of bunions in women. It has also been noticed that the development of bunions seem to be more frequent in individuals that wear footwear than compared to those that are relatively barefoot. However, as with any medical complication, genetics is also said to play its part in deciding who suffers from the deformity – where the condition may be passed down from one generation to another within the same blood line. Some other known causes of their development includes exposing the feet to long periods of pressure from tight fitting shoes, causing the big toe to be forced inwards and overlap the second toe. Complications arising from diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are also likely to contribute significantly to the development of bunions as is the factor of suffering from some kind of physical trauma or injury sustained by the foot.

Symptoms of Bunions

Some symptoms of the condition include a significant amount of difficulty in walking, a swelling of the joint around the big toe, pain around the inner margin of the foot as well as an inability to wear shoes of a normal size. In most cases, the pain experienced by the sufferer can be temporarily alleviated by simply allowing the feet to rest.

Natural Treatment For Bunions

Effective natural treatment for bunions generally includes a change in the type of footwear you use. Running shoes are especially designed to provide more room for the bog toes as well as have an ample amount of cushioning that will help alleviate some amount of the strain that your feet are subjected to during a busy day. Switching over to these shoes will help considerably. It is also essential to soak your feet in a tub of warm water that has been mixed with some amount of Epsom salt as the salt helps ease the pain and inflammation.