What causes bunions and hammertoes?

Do you ever look down at your feet and wonder, “Why do I have these unsightly bumps?” Well, my friend, it’s likely that you have bunions or hammertoes. But fear not! In this article, we’ll dive into the causes of these foot deformities so you can understand why they happen and how to prevent them from getting worse.

The Anatomy of a Foot

To understand bunions and hammertoes, it’s important to first understand the anatomy of a foot. Our feet consist of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles tendons. They are complex structures designed to handle our weight as we stand/walk/run/dance/yoga/(insert any other activity here) all day long.

Bunions: A Bump on the Side

If you’ve ever noticed a bump on the side of your big toe joint that is painful when wearing shoes or walking/running/dancing/etc., congratulations – you probably have what is known as a bunion.

The Cause(s)

Developing a bunion typically occurs over time due to various factors such as:

• Genetics: Sorry folks – if your parents/grandparents had bunions, chances are higher for you too.
• Shoes: Those cramped high heels (or really any ill-fitting footwear) force toes inwards (TOWARDS THE FOOT) which can result in pressure on the big toe joint.
• Arthritis: Ouch, arthritis affects joints throughout our bodies including those making up our feet.
• Congenital defects: Sometimes people are born with foot abnormalities leading to development issues later in life.
  (Wow didn’t know genetics could suck even more.)

How Do You Treat A Bunion?

So what can be done once diagnosed with this pesky yet common issue? Here are a few treatment options presented in no particular order:

1. Shoe Mojo: Switch out those high heels for some comfy sneakers or sandals with a wider toe box to give toes more space and reduce pressure.
2. Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen/ibuprofen can help alleviate any discomfort caused by bunions.
3. Icing: Applying an ice pack to the bunion can aid in reducing inflammation/swelling which might also contribute to lessening of pain.

Hammertoes: Toes that are Keen on Curling

Hammertoes get their namesake because these curly cuties resemble the shape of – you guessed it- a hammer!

The Cause(s)

While there is definitely substantial overlap between what causes hammertoes and bunions (such as genetics and shoe choice), here are additional factors attributed specifically to this lovely ailment:

• High arches/flat feet
• Age & gender (sometimes life isn’t fair)
• Previous foot surgery

Like bunions, hammertoes develop over time when tendons/muscles holding joints together become imbalanced resulting in / curled toes.

How Do You Treat A Hammertoe?

Don’t let those cute curly-kicks fool you into thinking they’re harmless! Here’s what you can do once diagnosed:

1. Stretchin’: Toe exercises such as picking up marbles with your toes or gripping a towel placed underfoot may strengthen muscles/tendons around the affected joint(s).
2. Padding/Footwear Modifications: insert emoji showing off cozy shoes
   Investing in cushion-y inserts placed inside tight-fitting shoes or wearing/replacing existing footwear designed for better support/padding may provide relief while standing/walking/etc.
3. Surgery!? Only recommendable if non-intrusive treatments aren’t doing enough tediously improved symptoms, corrective procedures may be an option. Consult with a medical professional if you find yourself considering this.

Wrapping It Up

There are many causes to both bunions and hammertoes which can present issues in daily life! Don’t fret however, because as presented — there are multiple non-invasive steps we can take when our feet have us feeling down. So keep on~~(keepin’)~~ walking, ^(no toe pun intended) with confidence knowing that now you’re armed with more knowledge concerning those funky foot bumps bugging ya.

Dane Raynor

Hey there, I’m Dane Raynor, and I’m all about sharing fascinating knowledge, news, and hot topics. I’m passionate about learning and have a knack for simplifying complex ideas. Let’s explore together!