Badly fitting shoes and High Heels are not solely to blame for Bunions It's official, wearing high heels is no longer solely to blame for the groaning misery of bunions...Yeh! It's all your families fault for passing down defective bunion genes. I am over simplifying here but in a press release issued by the Society for Chiropodists and Podiatrists earlier this year they state that contrary to popular opinion, bunions are not actually caused by shoes. Yes, wearing tight-fitting heels and backless shoes will exacerbate the problem causing pain and deformity of the joint (known as Hallux Vagus), but worn in moderation they should be ok. When should you be worried about Bunions Lorraine Jones, podiatrist, The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists said: “While shoes do not cause bunions, they can aggravate the problem, so if you’ve noticed a bump developing where your big toe joins the foot, it may be time to switch your footwear. Try to opt for wider shoes that provide your toes with room to move and keep your heel height to no more than 4cm for maximum comfort.” Tops Tips from the Society for Chriropdists and Podiatrists to maintaining Happy High Heeled Feet
  • Wear backless high-heeled shoes in moderation. Backless shoes force your toes to claw as you walk, straining the muscles if worn over a long period.
  • Vary your heel heights from day-to-day, one-day wearing low heels, and the next day slightly higher heels. Current footwear fashion is great for this – lower-shoes, wedges, and mid-heels are all on-trend so whatever heel height you opt for, you never have to feel out of vogue.
  • If you want to wear a heel every day, keep heel heights to 4cm and below
  • Wear a shoe with a strap or lace over the instep to hold the foot secure. This acts a bit like a seatbelt in a car and helps stop your foot sliding forward.
  • Do calf stretches to counteract the shortening of the calf and help to keep feet supple; keeping a good range of movement. To stretch your calf and heel, stand facing a wall with feet hip width apart and slightly bent at the knee. Take one step forwards, and using your arms to lean against the wall, keep your leg in front bent and the leg behind straight. Both feet should be flat on the ground. Lean in towards the wall, as you do, you should feel your muscles stretching in your calf and heel. Hold and slowly return to a standing position. Do this with each leg about five times.
For further information and advice and where to find your nearest HPC Registered podiatrist, visit www.feetforlife.org Good News! At Cheerfulsoles we have lots of shoes that are suitable for people who have bunions We have a fantastic selection of shoes and sandals that will accommodate bunions in style. Click here to view now>>