What Increases Your Risk

You are at increased risk for having bunions if you:

• Are female. Women are much more likely than men to get bunions.
• Wear shoes that are too tight or narrow, too small, or high-heeled.
• Have abnormal rolling inward of the foot while walking (excessive pronation).
• Have a family history of bunions.
• Have rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause swelling and deformity around the big toe joint (and other joints).
• Have gout, a form of arthritis that often occurs in the big toe joint.
• Have a job or hobby (such as running) that places considerable stress on the foot.
• Have flatfoot or low arches.