Bunions

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What is a Bunion

For those who are interested, the medical term for a bunion is hallux valgus. Of course this may be of little importance to you if you are living with them. Lets be straight forward, bunions can be really painful, they look like a big lump sticking out at the side of your foot next to your big toe. This lump occurs because your long big toe bone starts to point toward your other foot while the big toe itself starts to point in the direction of your other toes on the same foot.

Even Victoria Beckham reportedly suffers from Bunions

Like VB, you may not suffer from pain all the time, and you may even persevere with your pointy heels, however bunions can limit the amount of movement you have in your foot. As your toe joint can become so painful that you find it hard to walk in the shoes you would normally wear. You may roll your foot inwards as you walk, again putting extra pressure on your big toe joint, and as a result your bunion. Some experts think that rolling your foot inwards while walking is a contributing factor to getting bunions in the first place. Pain may typically be experienced as you push to lift your foot off the ground to walk.

You may be finding it hard to find a pair of shoes that fit you properly as the width required to accommodate the area near the ball of your foot has increased while your actual shoe size has not. Have you started buying shoes that are too big yet?

What to look for in a shoe if you have Bunions

It probably doesn't need saying, but we will anyway, DO NOT wear tight fitting shoes or shoes that are too big for you. Tight fitting shoes will only make the problem worse and could lead to other foot problems such as corns and calluses as your toes are squeezed together for most of the day. Wearing shoes and especially slippers that are too big can lead to further injury if you fall, trip or slip as a result. If you are aware that you roll your feet inwards when you walk, then you may wear an orthotic insert that you have bought 'off the shelf', or has been tailored by a podiatrist. You will need to account for this when looking for a healthy and comfortable pair of shoes. The same applies if you wear a bunion pad.

The check list below has been developed to help you find a pair of shoes that you are happy with and are also healthy for your feet. Depending on the style of shoe you want, you may focus on all or most of them. 

• Know your shoe size, sounds like common sense but when was the last time you had yours measured?
• Make sure that the shoes you are buying will be wide enough for your feet, If you generally have problems finding shoes that are wide enough then it may be worth getting them measured in person at a reputable shoe shop.
• Wear shoes that have a cushioned and roomy toe box and preferably shoes that will allow you to adjust the width. Look for fastenings such as velcro and lases that come as far to the toe end of the shoe as possible. 
• Measure your feet with your bunion pad (if you wear one) on
• If you are aware that you roll your feet and have been advised to wear an orthotic insert, make sure that there is enough room in the shoe for your insert. Look for a shoe with a removable insert or one that is deep enough to accommodate yours
• Think about the material that your shoe is made of, avoid synthetic and hard materials and opt for a natural soft leather or alternative that will allow your feet to breath naturally
• Whether you are working on your feet all day, hiking or taking part in sport, make sure your footwear is appropriate to that activity
• For the ladies, choose a firm and low heeled shoe