Just because you have a bunion doesn’t mean you have to give up your sense of fashionable footwear completely. You may just need to adjust the type of shoe construction you purchase to better suite your needs. A tight and narrow toe box can cause your feet to form bunions on the joint where the big toe meets the foot. Though stylish, these types of shoes cause your foot to grow with the shape of the shoe, deforming the foundation of your foot. This is neither comfortable nor attractive.
To alleviate your pain and the progression of your foot deforming, you should trade your pointy-toed stilettos for something slightly more practical. Any type of shoe with a high and wide toe box will bring much more comfort and happiness to your feet. Just like you don’t like your face smushed in triangular flat shaped sweaty trap –- neither does your feet. Rocker soles are also helpful by unloading some of the daily pressure you put on your feet. Especially days you are on the go for 10 hours, it is important to accommodate your feet as much as possible. They certainly don’t feel younger with age, trust me.
Another option to help ease your bunion discomfort is to talk to your podiatrist about orthotics. Although I don’t have bunions, I do have orthotics for extra comfort and they work wonders. An orthotic is a special sole made to fit your foot perfectly and treat different types of foot conditions, and ultimately provide extra comfort, support and protection. They fit in every shoe I own and provide insurmountable relief for days when I don’t get five minutes to sit.
In addition, there are a lot of companies that make forefoot products especially for bunions. Products such as bunion shields, night splints and bunion bandages were created specifically to treat bunions. These types of products can help limit the progression of a bunion, as well as relieve pain and discomfort.
Hopefully, with the combination of better footwear and treatment options, you can avoid surgery to remove the bunion. Keep in mind - your feet work very hard everyday to get you where you need to be, so take care of them as they do for you. And don’t think for a second there is no bunion-friendly fashionable footwear. I believe my closet is stocked with fabulous shoes that are also good to my feet. Just keep your eyes peeled for some good deals – your feet will thank you.