If you have bunions, you know that it can be difficult to find shoes that fit properly. A bunion makes your foot wider, which makes it difficult to find shoes that accommodate your feet and don’t cause even more pain.
What Are Bunions?
Bunions are bony growths that develop on the joint of the big toe. Bunions can grow on any toe, but if they are located on the small (5th) toe, they are known as bunionettes.
A bunion affects the shape of the foot, and makes it wider. They are caused by an abnormality in a person’s gait (how they walk). If this is not corrected, then the bunion can get progressively worse. Bunions are not helped by wearing shoes that are very narrow, particularly in the toe box. High heels are a common culprit, although any shoe that has a narrow, pointy toe can be problematic. This forces the toes into a crowded space and creates an unnatural shape. The height of a heel makes the situation even worse. This pushes the weight of the entire body onto the ball of the foot and the toes. This puts additional pressure on the bunion area. Once you have bunions , you won’t be able to wear high heels and it will become difficult to find any shoes that fit properly.
Once you have developed a bunion, it doesn’t go away, it slowly progresses out of shape without the proper footwear & support. Bunions can be surgically fixed, but it is possible that the joint will go back out of alignment, if the abnormal gait issues are not addressed. If you have a bunion, the most important thing that you can do for it is to wear supportive shoes. This means choosing shoes that are wide and deep enough so that they don’t put pressure on your bunion & wearing an arch support or orthotic that helps you to maintain normal gait.
How to Find Shoes If You Have Bunions
It’s important to go shoe shopping at the right time of day so that you get the best fit. Feet swell throughout the day as we spend more time on them. If you try shoes on in the morning, they might not fit later in the day when your feet are more swollen. Therefore, the best time to shop for shoes is later in the day. At this point, your feet will be more swollen. The shoes that you buy should fit comfortably when your feet are at their most swollen. This will give you plenty of space and prevent cramps.
If you have bunions, you need shoes that have a wide and deep toe box. You should always be able to wiggle your toes around inside your shoes. Having enough space here will prevent any extra pressure on your toes and bunions.
Get your feet measured every time you buy shoes, even if you think that you know what size shoe you should be wearing. Our feet change size over time, and bunions can certainly impact that. Have your feet measured by a professional at a specialised shoe store.
Always try shoes on before you buy them. It’s tempting to grab the size you need and go; spending more time on your feet isn’t appealing when you have bunions. It’s important to make sure that they fit comfortably, though. Try a pair on and give them a test drive. They should not rub against your bunions. If they do, it means that you need a wider, deeper shoe.
If you have bunions, visit Foot Solutions. We have a wide selection of fashionable comfort shoes & orthopaedic shoes that are perfect for women with bunions. We can also create a custom arch support for you, to help your feet to stay in alignment & prevent the progression of the bunion. Call into Foot Solutions UK today, and we’ll help you find shoes & arch supports that fit comfortably and relieve your bunion pain.
