When it comes to women's health, foot health plays a vital role too. For centuries, women's feet have been subject to cultural practices like foot binding in China, or they have historically been linked to notions of femininity, mobility, and suitability for marriage or labour. But one thing that has been neglected is the importance of maintaining foot health in women. In fact, women are more at risk of developing common foot diseases and conditions, including bunions, a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe.
To know more about the condition, the OnlyMyHealth team spoke to Dr Krishna Subramanyam, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.
Also Read: What Are Bunions? Doctor Explains Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
What Exactly Are Bunions?
Dr Subramanyam described bunions as a bony bump that develops at the base of the big toe. "When something puts extra pressure on the big toe joint for a long time (usually years), that pressure can push the joint out of its natural alignment and toward your other toes."
Also known as hallux valgus, bunions occur in approximately 23% of adults aged 18-65 years and up to 36% of adults older than 65 years, according to StatPearls Publishing.
In women, the condition occurs in as many as 30% of the population. Moreover, the prevalence is higher in people who wear shoes or heels when compared to the barefoot population.
Why Are Women More Prone To Developing Bunions?
According to Dr Subramanyam, bunions are more common in women than in men because women often have weaker tendons and ligaments in their feet and are more likely to wear tight shoes with high heels.
Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can also increase joint instability, while genetic factors and specific foot mechanics like flat feet can contribute to the development of bunions.
Are Footwear Choices To Blame?
"Footwear plays a major role in bunion development," Dr Subramanyam said, adding that high heels push body weight onto the front of the foot, straining the big toe joint and encouraging misalignment.
He further shared that pointy-toed shoes squeeze the toes unnaturally, while unsupportive flats or flip-flops cause overpronation, both of which increase stress on the toe joint and worsen bunions.
According to InformedHealth.org, tight shoes are not the main cause of bunions. "They can increase the risk of bunions and make the problem worse, especially shoes with high heels and pointed toes. But some people regularly wear tight shoes and never get bunions. And others nearly always wear comfortable shoes that are wide enough but develop a bunion anyway."
Also Read: 5 Effective ways to treat bunion pain
Treatment Options And Do Bunions Always Require Surgery?
The good news is that not every bunion requires surgery. “In many cases, bunions can be managed with simple, non-surgical approaches,” Dr Subramanyam said. Here are some ways to reduce pressure and discomfort:
- Wear shoes with wider toe boxes.
- Use bunion pads.
- Medical taping
- Orthotic inserts or toe spacers help improve alignment.
- Apply ice packs.
- NSAIDs to relieve pain and swelling
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
“These measures won’t reverse a bunion, but they can make daily activities much more comfortable and slow down its progression,” Dr Subramanyam shared. He adds that surgery for bunions is usually considered only when non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief and the pain begins to interfere with walking or daily activities. “If the bunion is causing persistent discomfort, significant swelling, or difficulty in movement, it may be time to discuss surgical options with your doctor. The type of surgery depends on the severity of the bunion and your overall foot health,” he concluded.