Excerpt
Bunions are painful "bumps" on the Hallux or big toe joint that rub against the shoe. There are a lot of "old wives tales" concerning the cause of bunions--forget them all. Shoes do not cause bunions! Bunions are caused by a biomechanical problem with the way you walk. Anyone with an excessively pronated, or flatfoot is at risk for developing bunions. There is a genetic component to bunions. While there is no such thing as a "bunion gene," you do inherit certain structural traits that predispose you to bunions. These include, intoed gait, knock-knees, bow legs, tight calf muscle, and intrinsic foot deformities. Bunions can only be "cured" surgically, but they can be prevented! If you have a family history of bunions and you notice them beginning on your feet, custom made functional foot orthotics can improve your gait and help prevent their development.