Are Bunions More Common in Women?

Bunions are painful bumps that form on the side of your big toe. They can make walking, standing, or even wearing shoes uncomfortable. But did you know that bunions are common in women? Much more than men! Keep reading to know why.

Are Women More Prone to Bunions?

Yes, women are more likely to get bunions than men. A lot more. In fact, around 35% of women over age 65 have bunions. Many women even notice them starting much earlier, in their 30s or 40s.

Bunions foot issues are not just small bumps. They can cause swelling, pain, and difficulty walking. That’s why it’s important to know why bunions are common in women and what to do about them.

Reasons Why Bunions are More Common in Women

Bunions are common in women for many reasons: shoes, genetics, joint structure, hormones, and daily movement patterns. Let’s go deeper:

• Many women wear narrow, tight, or high-heeled shoes. These shoes push the big toe inward and put pressure on the joint, which can lead to bunions.
• Some women are born with foot shapes that make bunions more likely. If bunions run in your family, your chances are higher.
• Women usually have looser joints and ligaments than men. This can cause the bones in the foot to shift more easily, leading to bunions.
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can affect the feet and make bunions worse or more painful.
• The way a woman stands or walks may add pressure to the front of the foot, which can also lead to bunions over time.

How Much More Common are Bunions in Women?

Bunions are between two to ten times more common in women than in men. That’s a big difference. In fact, about 85% of bunion surgeries are done on women.

This means that bunions are common in women, not just a little more, but a lot more. Women are dealing with this foot issue far more often, especially as they get older or stay active in tight shoes. Many don’t realize how serious the problem is until the pain makes daily life harder.

Even though bunions are more common in older women, many younger women have them, too. Some even start in their teen years, especially if they do a lot of dancing or sports.

What Should Women Do If They Have Bunions?

If you think you have a bunion, it’s a good idea to act early. Go and see a Mesa foot specialist. The longer you wait, the worse it can get. There are different treatments you can try to get rid of them:

• Try changing your shoes. Pick shoes that are wide in the front and soft inside. Stop wearing heels or pointy shoes that squeeze your toes.
• Use soft pads to protect the bunion from rubbing. You can buy bunion pads at most drugstores. These pads don’t fix the bunion, but they help with pain.
• Ice can help reduce swelling. Wrap some ice in a cloth and place it on your foot for about 15 minutes. Do this a few times a day when it hurts.
• You can also try toe spacers or splints to keep your toes in a better position, especially at night.
• If the pain is still there, a foot doctor or podiatrist can help with custom shoe inserts. These inserts help support your feet and reduce the pressure on your bunion.
• If nothing helps, surgery might be needed. A podiatrist can remove the bunion and straighten your toe. This is usually done when the pain is really bad or when walking becomes hard.

All these steps are helpful because bunions are common in women, and women need solutions that work for their daily lives.

Bunion Treatments in Women in Phoenix, Arizona

At Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers, we understand how painful and frustrating bunions can be. We treat women with bunions every single day. Our job is to help your feet feel good again so you can enjoy walking, working, or playing without pain.

We offer bunion care at all of our locations: Phoenix, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Mesa. Whether you want advice on shoes, need inserts, or are thinking about surgery, we’re here to help.

Bunions are common in women, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with the pain. Let us help you feel better and move with comfort.

Make an appointment online today. We’re here for you.

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