Our Bunion FAQ

How does a bunion develop?

Wearing the wrong kind of shoes, such as high heels with pointed toes and other footwear that is too tight, can also make a bunion worse. Shoes with narrow toe boxes squeeze the toes and gradually push the foot bones further out of alignment. You might be able to slow the development of a bunion by wearing shoes with wide toe boxes and using custom orthotics to cushion the ball of the foot. 

What is a bunion?

A bunion is much more complex than a simple bump, and the only treatment that can resolve the problem once and for all is surgery. Before surgery becomes necessary, however, a podiatrist can help you with conservative measures to ease pain and discomfort.

What are the best shoes for preventing a bunion?

If you are involved in activities that require you to wear constrictive shoes, such as ballet dancing or cycling, you are at a higher risk of developing and irritating bunions. If you are a competitive or recreational athlete, keep in mind that ill-fitting athletic shoes can also make your bunions worse. Seek comfortable, flexible footwear that fits properly to protect against bunions.

Do bunion shields work?

How can an orthotic help if I have a bunion?

Prescription orthotics are divided into functional orthotics and accommodative orthotics. Functional orthotics are used to control pain caused by abnormal motion and to treat injuries like shin splints or tendinitis. Functional orthotics are often made from a semi-rigid material. Accommodative orthotics are normally softer to provide your feet with additional cushion and support.

If your bunion is causing you pain when you put pressure on your foot, your podiatrist might recommend an accommodative custom orthotic.

Are there different kinds of bunions?

What causes bunions?

However, a bunion will get worse faster if the wrong types of footwear are worn. Shoes with narrow, pointed, toe boxes that squeeze the toes into an unnatural position (i.e. high heels) can contribute to worsening bunions. According to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, 88 percent of women in the U.S. wear shoes that are too tight and 55 percent of women have bunions. Also, women get bunions nine times more often than men.