The majority of the articles available on the internet address the issue of bunions as something that is mainly caused by the use of high-heeled shoes or even tight-fitting shoes. Of course, this is in the case you have bunions; however, there are questions in your mind about why some of your friends and relatives do not appear to be having any trouble at all, wearing the kind of shoes that would make you suffer. Research has indicated that nothing is as it appears. Genetics plays a much larger role in the development of bunions compared to footwear. The optimistic side of the problem is that you can improve your health and well-being by addressing the problem of bunions ahead of time.
Scientific Findings
In a study that was conducted on 350 patients, it was concluded that about 90% of individuals with bunions have their family history of it. Some foot shape patterns may put one at risk of having a bunion. Specifically, some have a rounded settlement in the base of the big toe (so-called round metatarsal head) and can thus be moved out of position more easily by the toe. Some people have an additional bone at the back of the big toe (scientifically, it is referred to as a long metatarsal) which gets added pressure during walking and resulting in the toe pushing to the side. However, there are those whose foot structure presents an inward angination of the bone which forms the back in the formation of the big toe (so-called inward deviation of the first metatarsal). This causes extension of the big toe to make a bunion.
Elastic Ligaments Could Be the Cause too
Studies have also shown that loosening and flexibility of the ligaments is tendentious within the family. Individuals who possess loose ligaments possess unsteady joints in the foot that tend to shift out and fail upon recurring strains. Bunions are in themselves some result of this instability. There is also the behavior of people being born with their general type of the foot. That is, individuals can be born with high arches, flat feet, or over-pronation like our parents. Aboriginal people are also known to inherit abnormal patterns of gait, thereby, exposing themselves to stress on the big toe and the possibility of having bunions.
Genetic Preexistence does not mean Inevitability
The fact that you are at a high risk of getting bunions does not imply that you cannot take preventive measures. It is known e.g. that even though bunions are not caused only by narrow or high heeled shoes they can increase the process of appearance. Obesity, standing throughout the day, hypermobility states, and involvement in some sports (like running) should be among the other problems that worsen the issue. It is also possible to see a foot specialist, who will be able to prescribe supportive footwear and exercises that strengthen the feet and may either stop or slow the evolution of bunions.
Surgery as an Ultimate Solution
A foot specialist is also able to inform you whether you are a good candidate for a bunion operation. Bunion surgery can be of various kinds that can be minimally invasive surgery or involve joint fusion or replacement. Most common surgery is osteotomy that involves the cutting and repositioning bones and using pieces that hold the bones in place. The general intention is usually to reposition the metatarsal primarily of the first foot and straighten the big toe such that these regions of the foot are placed back to their regular position.
Bunion Recurrence is Uncommon
There is a concern that you may ask yourself whether bunnies may go back in case you are about to undergo the operation. It has been found that the recurrence rate of the older techniques was between 15 and 30%. However, with the new technology, the payback rate is 5 to 10%. It is possible to take a lot of measures to minimize the possibility of bunions returning, and the first step would be to wear shoes with a large toe box. In case you have pronation (when your foot is inclined toward the inside when you walk) or have flat feet, your doctor probably will prescribe orthotics, along with exercises to build up the strength of your foot only muscles. Physical therapy, in its turn, could help to rectify your gait in case it is necessary. Physical therapy is able to not only build up the intrinsic musculature of the foot, but also enhance the support of the arch, decrease the stiffness of the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, big-toe tendons and walking.
When you know that your relation has developed bunions, it is necessary to meet your doctor so that you could follow preventative measures. Orthotics, exercise and physical therapy can be suggested by your specialist in order to cope with your condition. In case you have already got bunions, then surgery may be prescribed by the doctor. Available modern techniques have quite low recurrence, and the good thing is that in most cases, you can walk right after your surgery. Bunions being highly genetic components implies that they take them seriously and address them in line of action. It may not be sufficient to avoid needles and pointy shoes. See more blogs.