27/08/2026
β We're going back to the very beginning with today's FAQ which is 'What causes bunions?'.
Bunions occur when the long bone that connects to the big toe (metatarsal), deviates inward. The reason the metatarsal moves is related to an instability in a mid-foot joint that allows the bone to swing inward. This movement creates the bunion prominence on the inside of the foot, below the big toe. The prominence is actually normal bone but in the wrong position. Sometimes a new growth of bone also occurs at this point.
1 in 4 four people have a bunion and for the majority, it is inherited. Family history and genetics play a large role in the likelihood of getting bunions. Though footwear may be the cause, it is less common. Flat feet and lax ligaments may also be a factor.
For more information about bunions, as well as the minimally-invasive / keyhole technique I use to treat them, please visit http://www.thebuniondoctor.com.
I also run regular free Patient Information Events on Bunions and Minimally-Invasive Bunion Surgery - click the link in our bio to find out more and book your place!