What is a Bunion? Expert Guide to the Best Shoes for Bunions

What is a Bunion? 

It’s an often searched question on the internet. If it is a question you are seeking answers to as well, here is all the information you need on this common foot problem.

Bunions are known to typically start out as small bumps on the base of the big toe. Over time these become enlarged on account of the pressure in your footwear. Eventually, the big toe is displaced and over time the slanting of the joint causes it to bend further inwards. The medical condition that causes foot bunions is known as Hallux Valgus, which has been defined as a condition of the bones that affects the largest toe. 

Some of the symptoms of Bunions include:

• Bumps on Outer Toe Joints as also thick skin
• Toe Bending Inward 
• Pain 
• Redness and swelling
• Corns and calluses

In the beginning, you may only feel minor pain when you are standing or walking and you see them as nothing more than a minor nuisance. With time, of course, they become more noticeable as also quite painful. Besides bunions can affect your body in more serious ways including but not limited to:

• They can change your gait
• The joints may become inflamed and ulcerous
• They could even cause falls, as with the big toe displaced your balance tends to be disturbed. 

What Causes Bunions?

There are several known causes of Bunions. These include:

• Genetic Bone Structure 
• Degenerative diseases of the joints
• Injuries
• Diabetes 
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Improper Footwear

Celebrity reflexologist and foot reader Jane Sheehan was quoted as saying that “Bunions mean you are doing far too much for others and not enough for yourself.” It is about time, therefore, that you give self-care the priority it deserves. A good beginning would be to choose the right footwear that protects your feet.

How to choose the right footwear to treat Bunions?

If your job involves spending long hours on your feet, you need to make it a point to avoid tight narrow footwear that is constricting. High heels and pointy-toe shoes are also a no-no. Instead, know your accurate foot size and opt for comfortable footwear. Pro tip - Ever so often we think that we know our foot size. The fact remains that there are several factors that could change our foot size including dropping of foot arches as we age, pregnancy, weight gain or loss. It is imperative, therefore, that the foot size be carefully measured before choosing the footwear. This will involve not just measuring the length and width of your feet but also your arches. 

If you suffer from bunions make it point to go with footwear that has stretch or mesh panels around the area of the bunion that can flex. Firm leather panels can be extremely constricting and can aggravate your condition. The other thing to watch out for is to go with a low heel. That way you do not face the risk of the bodyweight being pushed into the toe box. 

Broadly, bunion-friendly footwear comes with the following features:

• Wide toe-box
• Stretch/Mesh Panels
• Low heels
• Soft, supportive insoles