Types of Shoes That Make Bunion Pain Worse

Bunions, bony deformities that can form at the base of your big toe joint, have a lot to do with your footwear. Your shoes can contribute to the development of bunions, especially shoes that are too tight in the toe area or otherwise compress your toes. 

And, once developed, bunions can be more painful when you wear certain types of shoes. Rubbing, blistering, redness, swelling, and foot pain can all result from bunions in combination with the wrong footwear.

Expert podiatrist and foot and ankle specialist Leonard Greenwald, DPM, treats patients with bunions from his office in San Jose, California. Dr. Greenwald can help you understand the role your footwear plays in your podiatry health and advise you on shoes that will keep you comfortable while effectively supporting your feet. 

Here’s what Dr. Greenwald wants his patients to know about bunions and shoe fit.

How shoes can cause bunions

Factors like heredity and foot shape can put you at higher risk of bunions, it’s true. But the wear-and-tear of pressure on the joint below your big toe (the metatarsophalangeal joint) is a common cause of bunions, as well.

You’re significantly more likely to develop bunions at some point if you spend a lot of time standing in tight shoes or high heels that shift your body weight forward, putting pressure on your toes. The compression on the front of your foot and the amount of time on your feet both contribute to your overall risk for bunions.

Shoe fit after bunions

Once the bony protrusion of a bunion forms, that’s when your shoe problems really begin. You might find shoes that put pressure on your bunion are very painful. You may not be able to wear certain shoes for long, or while walking or standing.

What’s the right shoe solution for you? Dr. Greenwald can help. With years of expertise in bunion treatment, Dr. Greenwald understands the elements that contribute to foot pain and can guide you toward footwear options to keep you comfortable and avoid making your bunion problem worse over time.

Rules of thumb for shoe fit and bunion pain

When you’re looking for shoes to cushion your feet after the development of a bunion, avoid high heels and narrow-front shoe designs. Make sure there’s plenty of room around your toes when you stand. You might also need to find fits that accommodate the growth of your bunion to avoid rubbing and discomfort.

Dr. Greenwald can recommend custom orthotics to give your feet advanced support and relieve bunion symptoms. With the right footwear, you can avoid worsening bunion pain and may be able to improve the overall alignment of your feet.

If you’re frustrated by restrictive footwear options due to bunions, talk to Dr. Greenwald about whether you could be a candidate for bunion removal surgery. This procedure restructures your foot, removing the bunion growth and restoring your original foot shape.

For the support you need to live with or even get rid of bunions, get in touch with Dr. Greenwald today. Schedule your initial consultation appointment online or over the phone today, and learn about how you can find foot comfort, even after bunions.