We seem to ask ourselves, “What causes bunions and how can I avoid them?” only when it is too late, as we look down at our aching feet after a long day at the office. Why did we select those stylish heels that turned out to be so impractical? Now we must endure the pain of a bunion.
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the joint base of the big toe. Bunions occur when the bones in the front area of your foot move out of place. This movement can be caused by wearing tight and narrow shoes, such as heels; bunions also develop based on the shape of the foot, which can be affected by a foot deformity or a medical condition. You could be predisposed to bunions and develop them regardless of what shoes you wear. With that said, traditional high heels, especially those that are tight in the toes, will not help prevent bunions.
According to Harvard Health, women are ten times more likely to develop bunions than men. There seems to be a link between regularly wearing traditional high heels and bunions. So how do stylish, traditional high heels exasperate the bunion problem?
Unfortunately, most traditional high heels sold in the United States are too narrow for the average woman’s foot. The narrower a shoe’s toe box, the more the shoe squeezes the toes together. The body tries to protect your foot from prolonged compression, thus causing a bunion.
There are some over-the-counter options to relieve foot pain such as bunion pads or cushions. However, these remedies rarely fix the problem long-term. The joint at the base of the big toe, the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, helps distribute weight. If a bunion develops at the MTP joint, the foot’s overall function is impacted. Other effects from bunions include ingrown nails and the formation of calluses.
So, how can you manage and avoid a bunion? While bunions can be corrected through surgery and managed through over-the-counter remedies, you can prevent bunions by wearing the right shoes.
Here are some ways to lessen the stress on your feet:
- Wear wedges instead of traditional high heels to complement your outfit
- Alternate wearing wedges and traditional high heels so you vary the overall pressure that is placed on your joints
- Select a shoe that is not tight in the toe as this compression is one of the primary cause of bunions
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This provides general information. For detailed and personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner.