Are Your Shoes Making Your Bunions Worse?

If you suffer from bunions, then you know how painful they can be. Appropriate footwear can properly support your feet and prevent bunions from getting worse.

If you've ever wondered what causes bunions and what the best shoes are for this painful condition, then keep reading.

Bunions at a Glance

Bunions occur on your big toe on the joint. The result is the tip of your big toe pulling inwards towards your other toes. 

It's possible that tight, pointy shoes may cause bunions. These narrow, unsupported shoes make existing bunions worse. 

Symptoms of bunions include a bulging bump on the outside base of your big toe, along with pain, corns, calluses, swelling, and redness. This may be persistent or intermittent. 

It's important to see a doctor if the pain or bump becomes worse, or if wearing shoes is difficult. Certain types of shoes may contribute to bunions.

Unsupported Shoes and Bunions

Tight, unsupported shoes can contribute to bunions. Dancers are susceptible to bunions, as well as those with arthritis, flat feet, and bone deformities. 

It's important to wear shoes with plenty of toe room, so you can wiggle your toes comfortably. Shoes with additional padding and special orthotics can help to treat bunions. 

Physical therapy can also help and in more severe cases, surgery may be required. In order to prevent bunions from worsening, it's important to wear supportive shoes. 

Shoes for Bunion Support

Selecting the best type of shoe for your bunions can make a huge difference. Take into consideration the size of your shoes. 

For smaller bunions, a little extra room in the toe box is all you need. Sometimes going up by a half size can help you find relief and comfort. 

Women should keep their heels at 1-2 inches to ensure their toes have plenty of wiggle room. 

Some shoes come with 1/4 to 1/2 inch of extra depth. The more space a shoe has, the more comfortable it will be for bunions, calluses, or corns. In addition, the extra room allows you to add inserts for extra cushioning and support. 

Work with your primary care physician or podiatrist to discuss the best type of shoes for your bunions. You'll want to look for wide, soft shoes.

Make sure that the shoes you choose have a soft sole. This will provide an extra layer of comfort as you walk. 

It's important to look for shoes made from stretchy material such as canvas. This allows your toes to have more room and reduces the amount of pressure. Leather is another material that provides stretch and comfort.

Find Relief for Bunion Pain

Remember to select shoes with extra room for your toes and look for stretchy materials. Orthotics and arch supports can be purchased over-the-counter or as a prescription and can also help with your bunions.

Toe spacers help keep your toes properly aligned and thin socks put less pressure on your bunions.

Remember to select shoes with extra room for your toes and look for stretchy materials. Explore our selection of shoes for bunions.