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Can Men Get Bunions?
A bunion is a swollen, red, bony bump at the base of the big toe. The top of the foot is made up of five long bones called the metatarsals, which run between the heel bones and the toe bones.
Normally, the big toe is in line with the first metatarsal, the second toe with the second metatarsal, and so on.
However, the big toe can become angled inwards, towards the middle of the foot, forcing the first metatarsal to protrude from the side of the foot, at the base of the big toe. If this happens, a painful bunion forms. About 35 per cent of bunions are caused by footwear, the rest are thought to be genetic.
Genetics mean any member of a family can be affected; a man whose mother has bunions has just as much chance of developing them as his sister.
Although women are twice as more likely to have a bunion over a man bunion development does increase with age, heredity, and shoe choice.
Truth is, just as bunions can make it difficult for women to wear certain shoes, the same thing can happen to men as well. Men with bunions, may not be able to fit into tight fitting or narrower shoes. Men may also notice pain and have difficulty participating in daily activities as well as activities they enjoy most – such as athletics.
Other attributes that lead to the formation of bunions in men:
- Flat feet
- Amputation of the second toe
- Neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- A shortening of the Achilles tendon
- A ruptured posterior tibialis tendon.
As a man, it is important to pay attention to the signs of bunions. Just because you associate bunions with women, doesn’t mean they can’t become a problem in men.
