If you’ve noticed a swollen, red or bulging bump on the outside of your big toe, you might just have a bunion. If you do, you’re not alone.

According to cureresearch.com, about 5.2 million people in the United States suffer from bunions; and these little bumps aren’t just unsightly, they can be downright painful.

Before you throw out those strappy sandals or resign yourself to a lifetime of socks and slippers, take a minute to understand what’s really causing those bunions — and how you may be able to treat them.

Your shoes

If you’ve got a shoe fetish, take heed: those sky-high Louboutins or Italian leather loafers may be the to blame for your sore and aching feet.

In fact, shoes that are too tight, too narrow or too high (ladies, we’re talking to you) can increase your risk of developing painful bunions. Think about it: When you wear high heels, gravity forces your toes to the front of your shoes, which can cause crowding and irritation.

Pain, however, isn’t always enough to opt for the rubber-soled tennis shoes in the back of the closet. In fact, according to a study from the American Podiatric Medical Association, 42 percent of women opted to wear a stylish shoe even if it caused pain.

Heredity

While your shoes may certainly have something to do with your bunion pain, they may not be your foot's only scapegoat. In fact, bunions may be just another issue you can blame on your parents.

According to Arthritis Care & Research, ailments that include bunions and hammertoes are likely inherited and are more common among those with white, European backgrounds. So take a look at your parents’ feet — the proof just may be in the bunion.

Your feet

While they may not deserve the subsequent pain, the shape of your feet may bear some guilt when it comes to bunions. Low arches, flat feet and loose joints can all increase the likelihood of developing bunions.

The anatomy of the big toe also comes into play — a round metatarsal head (the top of the first metatarsal bone) can cause less stability in certain types of footwear.

Arthritis

If you have arthritis, you already know that pain can really affect your posture and movements. In fact, arthritis is likely to change the way you walk, and this can in turn cause bunions and other foot-related ailments.

Bunions are caused by pressure exerted unevenly onto your foot’s joints and tendons, so the disease can really exacerbate this pressure when it’s affecting your gait.

Aside from keeping you out of your favorite shoes, bunions can cause you a multitude of other podiatric issues. When left untreated, bunions can often cause ingrown toe nails, corns, hammertoes and even deformity of the toes and feet.

Plus, these ailments can affect your ability to walk, exercise and enjoy life (not to mention four-inch heels). Fortunately, treatment options are available for those suffering from bunions. Understanding what’s causing your bunions — and how you can treat them — may have you kicking up your heels sooner than you think.

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