While bunions themselves are not hereditary, the foot type that causes bunions are. That is why you'll notice your feet resembling that of a parent or grandparent, for better or for worse. This is an important distinction, since if you notice the potential of developing a bunion early, you can take measures to prevent the bunion from occurring. It is important to note that bunions are generally not caused by shoes, but rather by the mechanics and overall stability of the foot.

If your foot resembles a family member who has a bunion on her foot, or you notice the start of a bump on the side of your foot, don't wait to get it checked. When a bunion is noticed and treated in the early stages, the faulty mechanics can be addressed with a custom orthotic to restore stability to the foot. This can prevent a bunion from forming or stop it from progressing.