Bunions are a painful and annoying foot problem that affects a lot of older men, but especially older women, making shoe shopping incredibly difficult. According to Dr Frances Henshaw, a Sydney-based podiatrist, bunions can appear as a bony bump on the side of the foot. The bump is formed when the joint of the big toe moves out of place due to pressure, causing the affected toe to develop a bulge and point outwards (towards the other smaller toes).
Unfortunately, because bunions are a progressive deformity, they usually get worse over time. They start off with swelling, redness or soreness around the big toe joint and cause persistent foot pain, but can lead to more serious problems, such as arthritis in the affected toe.
If you notice you have a bunion forming, it’s best to address it quickly. Surgery is available in more serious cases (and you can read more on surgery options here) but there are other options that are worth exploring first — and they’re far less drastic and expensive.
If you have a painful bunion, swapping to comfortable, suitable footwear is super important. When choosing the right shoes, Henshaw says to find a pair with a deep, wide area for toes, which will eliminate any rubbing or pressure on your bunion. A padded shoe insert will then help evenly distribute the pressure around your foot when you move.
Henshaw also advised to steer clear of narrow high-heeled shoes, as this can encourage the development of bunions. And when wearing heels, “the blanket advice is try to keep your heel height no more than three centimetres”, which will reduce the pressure being forced onto your toes. Sorry ladies, but it will mean less pain in the long run!
While it’s a fairly basic technique, if your bunion becomes inflamed, ice packs (or a bag of frozen vegetables) can help reduce swelling. Just apply to the area for five to 10 minutes.
Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, may offer temporary relief. They can help control the swelling and discomfort associated with bunions.
Other non-surgical treatments for bunions include bunion correctors, bunion pads and toe aligners, which help to realign the foot to normal position. They also help with managing pain.
A sleeve, works by gently realigning the big toe and taking pressure away from the other toes, releasing built-up tension and relieving soreness. This then helps to improve balance and gait. It looks kind of like a sock, but is made from much thinner material and fits around your big toe, over the top of your foot and around your heel. You can slip it on underneath your socks to wear with shoes and even wear it comfortably overnight as well. Don’t to suffer with bunion pain anymore with the help of these socks.
If you’d like to try something a little less noticeable, there are bunion pad sleeves or gel bunion pads which are a great alternative. Both can be worn in shoes, barefoot or under socks.
If your bunion really is giving you some grief, you may want to try bunion guards with toe separators. They help to realign your big toes to a more natural position and provide relief from painful rubbing.
Q: What is a bunion?
A: Bunions can appear as a bony bump on the side of the foot. In simple terms, a bunion forms when the joint of the big toe moves out of place due to pressure, causing the affected toe to develop a bulge and point outwards towards the other smaller toes.
Q: Who’s more at risk?
A: While anyone can develop a bunion, they’re more common in women and people with flat or low arches and rheumatoid arthritis. The other main risk factor for bunions is age – in fact, 30 per cent of people aged 50-60 have bunions.
Q: Do high heels cause bunions?
A: Bunions are hereditary and have nothing to do with fancy footwear. Bunions can develop as a result of an inherited structural defect in the foot.
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