High heels may be fashionable, but they can create significant problems for your feet if you aren't careful. One problem the podiatrists at Podiatry Associates of Houston see all of the time is bunions. Please feel free to contact us regarding bunions in Houston, TX!
Bunions are unnatural bumps that occur on the side of the foot where the big toe connects to the rest of the foot. While there is some evidence that bunions may be at least partially hereditary, one very popular cause of bunions is excessive use of the wrong types of shoes, particularly high heels.
High heels are problematic for a number of reasons. Because of the unnatural angle they put the foot in, much of the weight is transferred down to the toes instead of being equally distributed throughout the entire foot. Combine this with narrow or pointy toe boxes and it doesn't take much to gradually push the toe out of alignment. As the tips of the toes are squished together, the joints of the big toes are pushed outward and bunions begin to form.
There are many steps you can take to avoid bunions. The most important step is simply to choose sensible shoes. Of course, for many women, this simply isn't an option. High heels are almost a requirement for some women, especially for celebrities, business professionals and anyone who wants to be ultra fashionable.
If you can't give up high heels altogether, try to be careful with the shoes you choose. Choose shoes with a wide and rounded toe box, instead of a pointy, narrow one. Make sure you choose shoes in the right size. Avoid patent leather, which will not form to your foot as well as other shoes. Take off your shoes as much as possible, particularly when you are lounging at home. Visit Podiatry Associates of Houston right away if you notice any beginning signs of bunions starting to form.
While giving up high heels may not seem like a great option, it is better to wear them in moderation now rather than to risk surgery and having to give them up altogether later. If you wear high heels frequently and worry about your risk for bunions, call Podiatry Associates of Houston to set up an appointment for a consultation today.