Do Shoes Actually Cause Bunions?

Congratulations! If you are reading this, it means you were able to survive the 2015 holiday season. For some individuals here in Broome County, that was certainly no easy feat. Between the shopping, cooking, baking, wrapping, pageants, and parties, the holidays can be stressful. Individuals who have gone to several celebrations during the season likely spent many hours dressed to the nines, which can mean a lot of time spent in stilettos and pumps for the ladies out there!

There is a common association in the general public’s conscious, which we are reminded of every time patients who come to see us here at Southern Tier Podiatry wonder if footwear choices are responsible for their bunions.

Currently, the medical community is a bit divided as to whether or not footwear choices do lead to the development of bunions. On one hand, it makes sense that the excess pressure at the big toe’s metatarsophalangeal joint (where it connects to the foot) from the combination of narrow toe boxes and high heels would lead to issues. On the other, this can be a bit of a “which came first – chicken or egg” situation because there are frequently structural or gait issues that also lead to problems in the stability of the joint.

At the very least, it is safe to conclude that high heels and other footwear with narrow toes can exacerbate an existing condition. This means you should only wear these shoes sparingly. If you work in a professional capacity, it is a good idea to opt for other, dressy models that do not place so much pressure on the front of the foot. Another recommendation is to save the high heels for the office and wear other shoes on the way to and from work.

It is important to remember that bunions are progressive conditions, which means they will not improve—and in all likelihood will worsen—when left untreated. The only way to truly correct a bunion is through the use of a surgical procedure, but we are able to provide conservative treatment that addresses the painful symptoms of the condition.

Instead of suffering from a foot condition like a troublesome bunion, contact Southern Tier Podiatry and find the relief you need. Our Vestal, NY podiatrist office helps patients from across the Greater Binghamton community, so give us a call at (607) 217-5668 or schedule an appointment online today.