Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It occurs when some of the bones in the front part of your foot move out of place. Wearing tight, narrow shoes might cause bunions, which is why women are usually the primary sufferers. Bunions on your big toe are the most common, brought on by extra pressure on that part of your foot - typically due to ill fitting shoes.
Bunions are a progressive disorder. They begin with the leaning of your big toe, gradually changing the angle of the bones over a span of a few years, and slowly producing the bump, which becomes increasingly prominent.
What are the causes of Bunions?
One of the main causes of developing bunions is wearing ill-fitting shoes. This puts pressure on the metatarsophalangeal joint, which is where the bone of the foot meets the big toe. Other causes include;
- A genetic tendency can cause some weakness of this joint
- Wearing shoes which are the wrong shape or fit
- Research shoes that bunions affect 4 women to 1 man
What treatment can I try if I have Bunions?
There are a few simple things you can try to help reduce the pain and manage your symptoms if you have bunions. You could try the following;
- A bunion pad offers protection from extra pressure
- Apply a cloth-covered ice pack to reduce inflammation
- Visit a podiatrist who can prescribe custom shoe inserts or a splint
What should I avoid doing if I have Bunions?
You already have pain and don't want to aggravate it further, so it's important to try and manage your symptoms. To help you manage your symptoms quickly and painlessly, we would try to avoid;
- Wearing shoes with narrow, pointed tips
- Standing for long periods of time can aggravate bunions
- Repetitive stressors such as walking or running
- Regularly wearing shoes with a high heel
What shoes would we recommend?
When selecting shoes to accommodate bunions, you should prioritise comfort and fit. Remember that the right footwear not only offers relief of your symptoms, but can help slow the progression of bunions over time. See if there's a Charles Clinkard near you here.
We would recommend shoes with;
- A wide toe box
- Built in arch support
- Soft, stretchable materials like leather or canvas
- An adjustable fastening, such as laces