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Bunions are More Likely to Affect Women and Older Individuals Studies Show

By Dr. Jason Gold, DPM, FACFAS | Dr. Jodi Schoenhaus DPM, RPhs, FACFAS

According to a study by the American College of Rheumatology, hallux valgus, better known as bunions, are more likely to affect women and older individuals.

The study was published in the Arthritis Care and Research journal from Wiley-Blackwell. During the study, it was found that 36 percent of the entire study group suffered from bunions. Individuals who suffered from bunions showed worse health overall and a lower quality of life due to their bunions when compared to participants that did not suffer from bunions.

Of the percentage of bunion sufferers, the majority tended to be older individuals and females. The bunions may have occurred for a variety of reasons. The condition generally develops over months or years. Some of the first signs of bunions may be painful foot tissue that is soon followed by a bony protrusion on the foot. As the bunions grow, they often cause problems with proper toe alignment, with the big toe pushing the other toes out of alignment due to the bony protrusion.

Additional deformities of the foot may occur as a result of bunions, such as hammertoe or claw toe. Corn and callus development are also more likely in those who suffer from bunions. Since bunions and other deformities of the foot can be corrected surgically by a foot surgeon, the problem is often best addressed before it is able to grow worse and affect the whole foot. Since it is now clear from these studies that bunions are more likely to affect women and older individuals and could go on to impact the overall health in a negative way, bunions should be eliminated as soon as possible.

Dr. Jason Gold, DPM, FACFAS

Known for his expertise in thorough diagnostic testing and a steady surgical hand, Jason M. Gold, DPM, is a leader in modern foot and ankle care and sports medicine. He’s one of a handful of doctors who’s board certified in foot and ankle surgery in Palm Beach County. Dr. Jason Gold cares for patients at Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center, a state-of-the-art practice with locations in Boca Raton and Boynton, Florida.

Dr. Jodi Schoenhaus , DPM - Podiatrist in Boca Raton, FL

Dr. Jodi Schoenhaus DPM, RPhs, FACFAS

Dr. Jodi Schoenhaus is a foot, ankle, and leg vein specialist practicing in South Florida. She is considered a leader and innovator for various procedures in her field, including fat pad and vein care. Dr. Schoenhaus grew up in southern New Jersey and she considers herself a true Philly girl. After graduating from the University of Michigan, having studied kinesiology and human movement, she went to Temple University in Philadelphia where she got her doctorate.

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