It doesn’t matter if your bunions are the size of a marble or approaching the diameter of a baseball. At any dimension, bunions can be seriously painful and make it hard to go about your life.
Experiencing bunion pain can be discouraging, but often, simple lifestyle modifications like wearing different shoes are all you need to do to stay pain-free. Keep reading to learn from podiatrists Thomas Rambacher, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA, and Amber O’Connor, DPM, from Podiatry Hotline Foot & Ankle in Mission Viejo, California, what shoes keep bunion pain away.
Your choice of shoes is often a significant factor in the progression of bunions, leading to increased pain and discomfort. A poor choice in what you wear can push your foot out of alignment, causing pain and the familiar bumps next to your big toe to grow.
The wrong shoes can also put pressure on or near your bunions, causing your foot to move in a way that leads to pain, calluses, blisters, and sores. The better news is that making smart choices about what you put on your feet can alleviate your pain completely and prevent your bunions from worsening.
The best shoe choice to support bunions depends on your lifestyle, foot type, and the severity of your bunions. As a general rule, though, these guidelines help you choose shoes that reduce the strain on your bunions and feet.
The best starting point with footwear is to ensure your shoes are the correct size. Shoes that are too big or too small can squeeze your feet or move around in ways that aggravate your bunions and cause pain.
Your shoe size can change, so visiting a good quality shoe store to have your foot size assessed is a good first step. Always try on shoes before buying, and ensure you’re wearing the right kind of shoes for your intended activity.
Your shoes need to be wide enough in front to keep them from squeezing your bunions or toes. You should be able to splay your toes naturally without discomfort.
During warmer weather, supportive sandals can be a good choice to keep pressure off the bunion. Shoes or sandals with adjustable straps also help you achieve the correct fit in the toe box.
Shoes made with hard materials can irritate your bunions and cause pain. Whenever possible, choose shoes made with flexible and soft materials, such as soft leather and stretchy fabric, without any visible seams inside.
High-heeled shoes are one of the top culprits that cause and worsen bunions. Stick to flats whenever possible, and select lower, sturdier high heels, as well as athletic shoes with a low shoe drop.
Medical-grade custom orthotics are inserts that modify your shoes to make them more comfortable and supportive. Our team custom-molds orthotics to fit your feet and can also recommend additional cushioning pads or bandages available over the counter.
With the large number of shoe options available, it’s possible to find shoes that are comfortable for bunions that also look and feel stylish. Contact us for help managing your bunion pain.
