No matter where you work, live, or play, odds are you are wearing shoes every day (at least we hope you are!). From that pair of sky-high heels shoved to the back of your closet and brought out for special occasions, to that old pair of sandals you just can't bring yourself to throw away, shoes have the ability to support your foot structure, protect your feet, and, of course, to look cute!

But what happens when you consistently wear shoes that are less than ideal? Read on to find out.

Bunions caused by high heels.

What Are Bunions?

Bunions are bony bumps that protrude from the joint at the base of your big toe. If the bones in the front part of your foot, also known as your metatarsals, begin to shift, this can cause the toe bones to be thrown a little out of whack. The tip of your big toe gets pulled towards the other toes. This shifting is painful, and the result is a bump sticking out of the side of your foot. This can cause a whole host of other issues, including calluses and even wounds caused by the rubbing of the bunion on the inside of your shoes. 

Why Are Bunions More Common In Women?

In general, bunions are most likely to affect people who wear high heels. If high heels are required by your employer, or if they are just your style, it is crucial to exercise and stretch to avoid deformations of the bones of the feet. We'll go into more detail about avoiding bunions below.

Ladies! Learn More About Woman's Foot Care: Self-Care For The Feet

How Can I Prevent Bunions?

As we always say, the best form of treatment is prevention! A few factors are going to affect whether or not you develop bunions. Let's dive into those:

  1. Shoe-Wear: We are sticklers about proper footwear, and for good reason. Improper footwear, such as high heels with too-small toe boxes, can cause an array of foot issues and heel pain over time. Wearing roomier shoes with a low heel can help you avoid bunions. 
  2. Self-Examinations: It's a good idea to check in with your body every once in a while to see if you notice any concerning changes. That also goes for your feet! Keep track of the shape of your feet, and note any changes to the structure. This is especially necessary if you have a family history of bunions.
  3. Treat Bunions ASAP: If you notice changes to the structure of your feet or start having pain in the big toes, it is imperative that you seek treatment sooner rather than later. Bunions do not go away on their own. If you don't get treatment for them when they are just starting to form, you will eventually require surgery. 

Do Bunions Always Require Surgery?

Quick answer? No. If you come in and start treatment at the first sign that something is wrong, the likelihood that you'll need surgery is greatly decreased! Conservative treatments for bunions include:

  • Custom orthotics to help realign the bones of your feet.
  • Metatarsal straps and wraps that can help support the foot while also adding a buffer between the bunion and the inside of your shoe.
  • Taping of the feet to help support the foot.
  • Topical pain relief gel to offer some relief. 

Learn More: Dealing With The Bumps In Life

Ridding Midland, Saginaw, and Bay City of Pesky, Painful Bunions

If you need help with a bunion or any other foot issue, we strive to offer the Tri-City area the best conservative foot care available! Whether you're looking for help with a sore heel, a callus, or an ingrown toenail, Mid-Michigan's favorite podiatrist is here to help. Connect with us online or give us a call at 989-695-6788 to set us your consultation today!

 

Post A Comment