It’s easy to take your feet for granted, but an issue with foot health can affect all aspects of your life—and bunions are no exception. If you’ve developed these growths, you know just how painful they can be. Use the following guide to learn more about what causes bunion pain and how you can seek treatment.

A Brief Guide to Bunions

The Basics

Bunions are bony protrusions that form when the big toe is impacted against the second toe, causing an enlargement of the joint. Tight shoes are a key factor in the development of bunions at the big toe, or smaller bumps near the pinky, known as “bunionettes.”

Bunion Pain 

Bunions can be extremely painful, as they misshape the feet and provide continual discomfort in mass-manufactured footwear. Bunions may require foot surgery, so it’s important to learn why they form and how to prevent them in the first place. Visit your local orthopedic podiatrist or a foot and ankle specialist if problems persist.

Exact Causes of Bunions

While the exact causes of bunions remains uncertain, there are a few factors which are believed to contribute to their development. Among these are:

• Congenital factors, such as inherited foot type or hereditary preponderance
• Arthritis or previous injury to the foot
• Ill-fitting shoes or frequent use of high-heeled shoes

If you’re experiencing bunion pain or other unpleasant foot ailments, seek reliable help today from the experts at the Podiatry Associates of Rochester, NY. They will help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible. At this podiatry office, there are a broad range of treatment options, all delivered by experienced and educated podiatrists. For more information, visit their website. You can call (585) 342-8700 for the Portland Avenue location or (585) 426-7320 for the Buffalo Road location to make an appointment today.