Bunions occur when your big toe bends towards the middle of your foot and your second toe. This pushes the first metatarsal (the bone that is attached to your big toe) away from the second metatarsal so that it forms a bony lump on the side of your foot.
It is not known exactly what causes the big toe to bend in this way. However, family history and badly fitting shoes are two known risk factors that make developing bunions more likely.
Family history
If other members of your family have bunions, you are more likely to develop them yourself. This is because the bend of your big toe that causes bunions tends to run in families.
Badly fitting shoes
In many cases, bunions may develop as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit properly.
Women get bunions more often than men from wearing tight, pointed or high-heeled shoes. High heels push most of your body weight on to the front of your foot, placing a great strain on your toe joints.
If your shoes are too tight they rub against your big toe joint. Continuing to wear badly fitting shoes will make your bunions worse.
Arthritis
Bunions can also be caused, or made worse, by arthritis. Arthritis is a condition where the protective cartilage covering the joints becomes diseased or damaged. As the joints are stiff and hard to move, it can be difficult to straighten your toes to prevent them rubbing against your shoes.
