Bunions: What Increases Your Risk

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What Increases Your Risk

You are at increased risk for having bunions if you:

• Are female. Women are much more likely than men to get bunions.
• Wear shoes that are too tight or narrow, too small, or high-heeled.
• Have abnormal rolling inward of the foot while walking (excessive pronation ).
• Have a family history of bunions.
• Have rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause swelling and deformity around the big toe joint (and other joints).
• Have gout, a form of arthritis that often occurs in the big toe joint.
• Have a job or hobby (such as running) that places considerable stress on the foot.
• Have flatfoot or low arches.

Last updated:	March 06, 2008
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Gavin W.G. Chalmers, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC