What is a bunion?
A bunion– also known as Hallux Valgus- is a bony bump that forms at the foundation of your big toe. Prevalent in women, this bone disorder occurs when the big toe leans towards the toe right next to it. As a result, the joint starts to stick out instead of remaining straight.
What causes bunions?
There are a couple of known causes regarding the development of a bunion. Some of these include- the inherited foot type you might have, foot mechanics, foot injuries, arthritis, and conditions that influence your muscle and nerves. Although wearing ill-fitted shoes with a pointed toe box worsens the condition, this is not how bunions grow. However, bunion shoe pairs are useful for people suffering from this, which is why we’re here to help you out.
Can bunions be treated?
Yes, they can- as long as you take the right precautions. One of the easiest ways to treat bunions is to wear bunion shoes. It is best to go along with a bunion shoe that supports every part of your foot and should have sufficient room for your toes to allow the bunion to fit in comfortably. It is also best if the shoes have soft and sturdy heels that are no longer than an inch. This prevents pressure from being applied to the front of the foot. If you cannot afford new shoes, you can just take your old shoes and get them modified according to how you need them. One thing to keep in mind is to stay away from any shoes that might be slender or uncomfortable in the toe area, as this can lead to a sore and bigger bunion.
Using pads on the bunion can also help it get better if it’s not too painful. These help to ease the pain by providing support and reduce irritation. However, make sure to talk to your doctor before using this method to ensure that the pad doesn’t apply even more pressure and worsens the injury.
Medication might be provided to you if nothing else works. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used alongside ice packs which reduce the swelling. If nothing else prevails, bunion surgeries are also available to correct the deformities that might be present in the foot.
Where to shop for the best bunion shoes?
If you’re someone who has a bunion, you already know how difficult it is to find shoes that accommodate your foot. To slow down the progression of your bunion, read on ahead, and we’ll make sure to provide you with all the knowledge needed to turn your discomfort into extreme comfort.
The very first thing you should be doing is contacting your doctor. This is essential because the doctor will let you know what bunion shoes will work best for you. However, if you’re in a hurry, here is how you can find the best bunion shoe.
Although most stores will have broad-toed shoes with sturdy heels, one of the best places to get the bunion shoe from is FeetCare. FeetCare not only provides its customers with bunion shoes and slippers but also sells other items like padding cushions and creams to help people who’re suffering from this condition. The gel bunion cushion prevents the rubbing of the bunion with the shoe, which decreases aggravation. FeetCare also has the bunion balm day cream, which moisturizes the bunions and relieves the ache. Compression wraps, bunion toe stretchers, and gel guards are also available.
Some of the best bunion shoes they have include- the Telic flip flops, the Spenco Pure Black Women Slippers, and the spring step-style streetwise shoes. All of these have been specifically designed in a manner to help people with bunions. The telic flip flops offer a very even distribution of weight to avoid putting stress on the bunions. The Spenco slippers are a good match for the bunions because they have a memory foam footbed which helps offload pressure from the toes and lets your feet relax. The spring step-style shoes are also a great choice for people with bunions because they are made with full-grain leather, which is soft, light, and breathable with added comfort and a bigger toe room.
What features should your bunion shoe have?
Since you need to ensure that your bunion shoe fits correctly, here are a couple of features that we believe might help you find some go-to shoes.
- Judge the shoe size after trying it on, rather than just believing what the size tag says. The fit varies from company to company, and you want a well-fitting shoe that doesn’t press against your bunion.
- Try to buy shoes made from a more stretchy material so that the shoe can extend to your bunion without causing you any harm or irritation.
- The ball pocket of the shoe should fit the ball of your foot perfectly. This will ensure that the shoe is not very tight.
- Stay away from shoes that might have a heel higher than 2 inches.
- Numerous people do not know this, but it is best to measure both your feet. This is crucial because, in some cases, one foot is larger than the other. You should make sure to get the fit of the larger foot.