Bunions are often caused by incorrect foot mechanics. Usually, the flattening of the arch causes excessive forces and jamming through the big toe joint. This jamming of the joint pushes the big toe inward and the joint outward, leading to pain and joint degeneration. Arthritic conditions may also cause bunion deformities and pain in the great toe joint. Women and Bunions Women are more frequently affected with bunions because of tight, pointed, flat or high heeled shoes.
Unsupportive shoes place excessive pressure through the joint causing the bunion deformity.
Tight shoes aggravate the condition. Wearing high heeled shoes is especially stressful on the joints of the foot. Excessive pressure in the big toe joint can occur even when no bunion is present. This condition is called Hallux Limitus and can lead to pain and arthritis within the joint. Like bunions, hallux limitus is caused by improper foot mechanics and is treated in a similar manner.