What causes bunions and how can you avoid them?
That’s the age old question that we seem to ask ourselves, but only when it’s too late. Too late, as in, when we are looking down at our poor feet after a long day in the office, contemplating why we selected those stylish heels that were actually so very impractical…
A bunion, a bony bump that forms at the joint base of your big toe, occurs when the bones in the front area of your foot move out of place. It can be caused by wearing tight and narrow shoes (like heels); however, they can also develop because of the shape of your foot, such as a foot deformity or a medical condition. If you are predisposed to bunions, you could wear excellent shoes and still suffer from repercussions. With that said, high heels, especially those that are tight at the toes, will not help.
Did you know that bunions are 10 times more common in women than in men, according to Harvard Health. It’s no wonder why high heels are a culprit.
How do stylish high heels exasperate the bunion problem?
The unfortunate reality is that the majority of high heels sold in the United States are too narrow for the average American woman's foot. The narrower the toe box, the more the shoe will squeeze the toes together. A bunion results from the body's effort to protect your foot from the compression over time. Ultimately, it becomes more of the problem than the solution.
While you may be able to relieve some pain through conservative measures, such as over-the-counter non medicated bunion pads or cushions, it may not always fix the problem long-term.
The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, the joint at the base of the big toe, helps us distribute weight during a range of activities. A bunion at the MTP joint can impact the foot’s overall function. Secondary effects could be that your nails become ingrown and calluses form, which will make normal, everyday activities difficult.
So, how can you manage and avoid a bunion?
While bunions can be corrected through surgery or the aforementioned conservative treatment, you will ultimately want to make fashion easier on your feet.
Consider these suggestions:
• Stylish wedges instead of heels to compliment your outfit
• Alternate wedge and heel heights on different days, so you can vary the overall pressure that is placed on your joints
• Select a shoe that is not tight in the toe. This is one of the primary causes of bunions, so be sure to choose a shoe that is appropriate for your foot size
For the newest technology and thoughtfully designed wedges for all day wear, check out the Getaway Sticks collection.
This provides general information. For detailed and personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner.