Unraveling 20 Twisted Mysteries of Bunions: A Journey from Causes to Complications

5. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune form of arthritis, an inflammatory condition. This condition causes joint pain, inflammation, and damage throughout the patient’s body. Patients often deal with significant joint swelling and tenderness, as well as joint stiffness, fatigue, appetite loss, and fever. Unfortunately, rheumatoid arthritis increases an individual’s risk of bunions. Their risk is higher even in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis, as these stages affect smaller joints first. This includes the joints between the toes and the feet. One of the reasons that rheumatoid arthritis patients are at a higher risk of bunions is the effects of joint inflammation. Many patients also deal with joint erosion in their toes due to rheumatoid arthritis. This may result in shifting and dislocation, which can cause the formation of bunions.

6. Standing For Long Periods

Many of the causes of bunions are linked to increased pressure on the feet. Of course, some of these causes and risk factors are less common than others, often because they do not put as much pressure on the feet as others. Another example of a risk factor for bunion development is standing for long periods. When individuals stand, they put more pressure on their legs and feet than they would if they were sitting. This is because they have to support the weight of the rest of their body. Individuals should sit down regularly to avoid the increased risk of issues with their feet, including bunions. If they cannot avoid standing for long periods, such as due to their job, individuals should wear appropriate footwear to manage the increased risk of bunions.