Blame Bunions on your Genes

There is good news for women who love high heels and pointy toe shoes.  Contrary to what we've been told, they don't cause bunions.  A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research shows that bunions, hammer toes and other toe deformities can be blamed on your parents.  Yes, like so many disorders, it's all in the genes.

The medical name for bunion is hallux valgus and up to 60% of people get foot disorders and foot deformities in later life.  By using heritability software that performs genetic analysis of familial data, the researchers found out that these conditions are genetically passed down.

Before you throw away those Birkenstock sandals, however, remember there is always an interplay between genetics and environmental factors that affect our bodies.  One look at the feet of dancers shows that constant trauma or strange positioning of the foot structures can cause permanent change.

My advice to women who love heels is to walk barefoot in the sand as much as possible and give your feet a good rest.