This common foot problem is actually a ‘complex deformity’ — and can spell trouble if ignored

Who could ever forget that iconic moment on “The Real Housewives of Potomac” when Karen Huger called out Ashley Darby’s bunions?

Yes, she came for her bunions — she came for them hard.

But while they may often be the butt of friendly jokes, bunions are actually no laughing matter, according to one New York City podiatrist.

Dr. Brad Schaeffer, star of TLC’s “My Feet Are Killing Me,” notes that bunions aren’t just a cosmetic issue — and they go deeper than you think.

“There is a common misconception that bunions are simple callouses or overgrowths of bone on the side of the toe, but they are actually complex deformities stemming from an unstable joint in the foot that allows the big toe to drift out of alignment,” he told The Post.

“The condition is progressive and as it worsens, it typically causes the toe to turn in, creating a visible bump on the side of the foot.”

Here are a few other bunion myths this podiatrist wants to bust.

Bunions are an “old lady” problem

“There are many myths and misconceptions about bunions and many of these discourage people from seeking care for them,” Schaeffer said. “Many people believe that bunions are a problem that ‘old ladies’ develop as a result of years of wearing high heels and narrow shoes.”

As it turns out, “bunions are very common — almost 25% of adults in the US alone develop the condition,” he said.

And, while he acknowledges they are “more commonly seen in older women,” he’s also treated men and even teenagers with bunions.

Bunions are caused by high heels

“There are myths that high heels cause bunions,” he said. “While they can exacerbate the problem by squeezing the toes together and putting pressure on the big toe joint, they are not the primary cause of the condition.”

The real culprit? Genetics.

“The condition often runs in families, which makes genetics one of the leading causes of bunions,” he said. “Weak mechanical structure — such as foot shape and structure — can result in such defects, and this is a trait that often runs in families.”

Bunions are caused by uncomfortable footwear

If you have bunions, your mom is more likely to blame than your Manolos. And wearing sneakers all day won’t save you.

“I see patients of all ages, genders and from all walks of life who develop bunions, regardless of their choice of footwear,” he said.

Bunions are no big deal

They might not be life-threatening, but — left unattended — they can become much more than a footsore.

“Bunions are a progressive deformity and while they may start off as a minor nuisance, they often cause severe pain and discomfort as they worsen,” he said.

“Many patients who once enjoyed very active lifestyles eventually have trouble simply walking and performing activities as their bunion progresses.”

Bunions only occur by the big toe

According to Schaeffer, “a bunion on the outside of the foot is called a Tailors bunion or
bunionette,” — and it’s not as cute as it sounds.

“I often see patients that have bunions on both sides of their foot because their foot overcompensates on the inside —bunion — and outside — bunionette,” he said. “I have seen people with high arches have bunionettes as their only issue without a bunion, but I usually see them in tandem.”

Bunions require major surgery with tons of recovery time

There are non-surgical options — at least at first.

“Podiatrists often recommend that patients try conservative options first,” he said. “These include buying wider shoes, padding or orthotics to accommodate the deformity and reduce pain.”

If that doesn’t cut it, surgery might be next, but science has gifted us better options than the ones your grandma had.

“In the past, podiatric surgeons used a procedure called 2D osteotomy, where they shave down the protruding bone of the big toe and then cut and shift the bone over,” he said. “This gets rid of the cosmetic bump but doesn’t address the unstable joint in the foot that causes the bunion.”

Now, he prefers performing the Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction, a more modern surgical fix that addresses the root of the problem and gets patients back on their feet faster.

“This surgical approach allows the surgeon to return the patient’s foot bone structure to its normal 3D alignment,” he said.

This procedure also has a low recurrence rate, with most patients maintaining their alignment in 13- and 17-month clinical studies.

The buttom line? Schaeffer wants to “encourage people who don’t fit that profile and may be embarrassed to seek care to make an appointment with their physician and talk about their treatment options.”