Bunions
What is it?
Bunions are a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your toe, forcing it to angle toward the second toe. Over time, the angle of the toe joint will continue to distort. Bunions tends to run in the family and may be caused or developed by inherited structural defects, wearing shoes that are too tight, and medical conditions such as arthritis.
Key Symptoms
A bump on the outside of the base of your big toe.
Swelling, redness or soreness around your big toe joint.
Ongoing pain around or limited movement of your big toe.
Insights & Recommendations
from Schuler Shoes' Board Certified Pedorthist
This is not a medical diagnosis but a footwear recommendation to offer symptom relief.
A shoe with a deeper, broader toe box will help prevent rubbing and binding the toes. Some examples of brands that carry styles with these features include SAS, New Balance, Ziera, Propet, Dansko, Keen, and Haflinger.
A firmer insole with a deep heel cup will help keep the foot properly aligned. A metatarsal pad can aid in relieving symptoms, help improve the overall functioning of the foot, and slow the degenerative process.
In addition, devices such as toe spacers, toe socks, and bunion splints can help maintain normal alignment and relieve pain.
Avoid going barefoot on hard, flat surfaces. Practice toe and foot stretching and exercises to help reduce the advancement of these conditions.
A consultation with a certified specialist is recommended in order to come up with and implement a plan that is best suited to the individual.
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References: Mayo Clinic