Bunions are a sore spot for many American women. This painful, swollen bump that arises on the joint of your big toe where it connects to the rest of your foot is almost always caused by wearing ill-fitting footwear, says the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, or AOFAS. More than half of all women in the U.S. have bunions–and 9 out of 10 bunions result when women stuff their feet into narrow, uncomfortable footwear that's too tight for their feet. While those eye-catching designer pumps are terribly tempting, you can avoid bunions by simply choosing fit over fashion.
Step 1
Don't force the fit. Choose footwear that conforms to the shape of your feet, advises the AOFAS, rather than cramming them into shoes that feel and look uncomfortable. Footwear attributes to look for include shoes with a wide instep, a lot of toe space and soft soles. Stay away from shoes with sharp, pointy toes and spiked heels. Limit heel height to no more than 2 1/4 inches, advises MayoClinic.com.
Step 2
Free up your toes. Integrative physician Dr. Andrew Weil suggests wearing open-toed footwear such as sandals in warmer weather.
Step 3
Have ill-fitting shoes professionally stretched, advises Dr. Weil. By giving your toes more wiggle room, you can avoid bunions and still wear your favorite dress shoes.
Step 4
Pad the areas that pinch. You can purchase bunion pads, small, donut-shaped adhesives, at the drugstore. Using this preventive strategy will keep your feet from rubbing directly against the inside of your shoes, says Dr. Weil.
Step 5
See a doctor if prevention doesn't work. Although bunions usually don't become problematic, some become extremely painful and interfere with your everyday activities, cautions MayoClinic.com. Your doctor will go over your treatment options, which may include prescription orthotics, cortisone injections or surgery.
Tips and Warnings
- After a hard day on your feet, soak them in warm water, advises Dr. Weil. If your bunion causes you discomfort, use cold compresses to reduce swelling and aspirin or ibuprofen for inflammation and pain.
- Not all bunions are caused by tight-fitting footwear, says MayoClinic.com. You can be genetically predisposed to bunions. They may also be caused by a foot injury or deformity present at birth.
Things You'll Need
- Bunion pads (optional)
