Women’s shoes tend to feature pointed toes that end up pinching our feet. Our shoes usually do not have an appropriate arch support either. High heels shift the body’s weight onto the balls of your feet. This will actually create issues with your tendons and your pelvis. All of these together creates a wonderful environment for bunions and other foot problems.
A bunion is a swelling that becomes noticeable on your foot. Most generally they are found at the joint of your big toe. A bony protrusion will develop at the outside edge of your big toe and will often force it to overlap with one or more other toes. There may also be a slight inflammation ( a fluid-filled sac) that will act as a pillow for the toe joint.
Over time bunions can cause your toes to become misaligned and overlapped. You may end up with corns or other foot problems.
Bunions are usually caused by ill-fitting shoes. Poor fitting shoes cause friction and/or pressure on your toe joints. Bunions may also be caused by an inherited abnormal bone structure in your foot. Bunions may also develop as a result in changes of the bony structure of the feet caused by flat feet. Certain medical issues like arthritis, cerebral palsy and other diseases that affect the joints may also cause bunions.
At-home remedies will not cure a bunion. There are ways though that can help reduce the pressure and alleviate the pain. The only cure for a bunion is surgery.
Make sure you purchase shoes that are large enough, especially across the widest part of your foot, to accommodate your foot and its bunion. If possible wear open toe shoes which don’t cause friction on the big toe joint. Go barefoot when possible.
Make sure your shoes provide an adequate arch support. You can also purchase arch supports and add them to your shoes. If you have a severe bunion you may need to think about custom-made orthopedic shoes to properly support and align your feet.
If your bunion is still small you can purchase bunion pads to help cushion the joint. They do hurt at times so an over-the-counter pain reliever may be taken and apply an ice pack to the area which is hurting. Ice packs will bring temporary pain relief and help with the swelling.
You can prevent getting bunions. Once one develops though it will get worse if you don’t take some measures. Only wear comfortable shoes that provide a lot of room for your toes. Try to avoid pointy shoes that pinch the toes. Make sure your shoes are wide enough. Shop for shoes in the afternoon or evening. Wear the lowest heel you can find.
Not only will wearing a comfortable, well-fitting shoes prevent bunions but they will aid in the prevention of many other foot problems. Take care of your feet. They keep you on solid ground.
A brochure called Upkeep Your Feet
Women’s Health Desk Reference
