Think You Need Shoes for People with Bunions? Read This!

Struggling to find shoes that fit because of your bunion? You’re not alone…but there’s more you can do about it than you think. In fact, the right treatment approach can dramatically improve how your shoes fit and feel. And you don’t always need surgery to make that happen! There are proven conservative treatments that can reduce pain, slow progression and help you get back into the shoes you love. Here’s what you need to know!

All About Bunions

Bunions aren’t a cosmetic problem. Rather, a bunion is actually a complex deformity where the first metatarsal bone shifts outward while the big toe angles toward the second toe. This creates that characteristic bump on the outside of the big toe that makes shoe fitting so difficult. Many people think bunions are simply bone growths that can be shaved off, but that’s not quite true. The bump you see is actually the head of the first metatarsal bone that’s being pushed away from it’s normal position.

For that reason, treating bunions effectively requires addressing the underlying mechanical issues, not just the visible bump. Luckily, bunion progression is typically gradual. And that makes early intervention both effective and incredibly important. With the right treatment approach, you can often halt or slow the progression of a small bump to a big one, avoiding the need to exclusively select shoes for people with bunions.

Treatment Options

Conservative treatment should always be the first line of defense against bunions, especially in the early stages. The goal isn’t to make the bunion disappear—that’s usually not possible without surgery. Rather, we want to reduce pain, improve function and help you get back into comfortable footwear, instead of sticking to shoes for people with bunions.

Often, we’ll start with:

1. Custom orthotics. 

   This is one of the most effective conservative treatments for bunions. They’re precisely crafted devices made specifically for your feet. They work by addressing the underlying mechanical issues that contribute to bunion formation and progression. They also control abnormal foot motion, reducing stress on the big toe joint. A properly designed custom orthotic redistributes pressure, supports your arch and helps your foot function in a more normal fashion. Many patients will find significant relief from bunion pain when wearing custom orthotics. These devices also make it much easier to find comfortable shoes. 
   
   

2. Shoe modifications.   

   The reality is that most shoes are crafted for people without bunions. That makes it hard to find comfortable shoes for people with bunions. Look for pairs with a wide toe box that won’t press against your bunion; it should also be made of a soft, flexible material that can accommodate the shape of your foot. Avoid pointed toes and high heels, since they force your foot into an unnatural position and increase pressure on the bunion. You can also have certain parts of the shoes stretched to accommodate your bunion, or add padding to reduce pressure points. These modifications are often less expensive than buying new shoes, and they can help extend the life of the shoes you own already. 
   
   

3. Pads and spacers.

   These simple devices work by cushioning the bunion or separating the first and second toes. While they don’t correct the underlying deformities, they can significantly improve comfort and make it easier to wear shoes. There are many different types of pads available, from simple gel cushions to more complex splinting devices. The key is finding the right type for your specific situation, something our Houston podiatrist can help with when you come into the office. 
   
   

4. Injection therapy.

   Corticosteroid injections can provide significant pain relief by reducing inflammation around the bunion joint. These injections are done in the office, directly into the joint space, or the surrounding inflamed tissue. While the injection can cause some initial discomfort, the resulting relief should begin in a few days and can last for three to six months. Just remember that injection therapy treats symptoms of a bunion, not the underlying deformity. 
   
   

5. Physical therapy.

   Exercises can help maintain joint mobility, strengthen the muscles around the big toe joint and improve overall foot function. Try toe spreads and marble pickups to maintain flexibility and strengthen your big toe. Stretching your calf muscles is also important, since tight calf muscles can contribute to the foot dysfunction that worsens bunions.

Going Beyond Shoes for People with Bunions: When Surgery is Necessary

Surgery may be necessary when conservative treatments fail, but it’s important to understand that this won’t provide a quick fix. Recovery from bunion surgery takes several months, and comes with risks. The decision to have foot surgery should be based on pain and functional risks, not just on appearances. If your bunion is causing significant pain, limiting your activities or making it impossible to find comfortable shoes despite conservative treatment, surgery may be appropriate. There are many different surgical techniques available, and the right procedure depends on the severity of your bunion; your age; your activity level; and other factors. Luckily, modern bunion surgery has evolved significantly over the years. Today’s procedures are more precise, recovery times are often shorter and outcomes are generally very good when surgery is performed by an experienced podiatrist.

Still, surgery isn’t right for everyone. Patients with certain medical conditions who can’t commit to the post-surgical restrictions, or people whose bunions are causing significant problems might be better off following continued conservative treatments.

Recovery from Bunion Surgery: What to Expect

The recovery from bunion surgery varies depending on the specific procedure performed, but most patients can expect to be in a surgical shoe or boot for six to eight weeks. During this time, weight bearing will be restricted. And you’ll need to keep your foot elevated frequently to control swelling. Physical therapy often plays an important role in the recovery process. Once the initial healing is complete, therapy can restore strength, range of motion and normal walking patterns. The goal is to restore you to your pre-surgical activity level, but with significantly less pain.

Tired of only wearing shoes for people with bunions? Ready to find relief and hoping to avoid surgery? Let’s keep your small bunion from becoming a large one. Contact our office today to schedule your initial bunion consultation.