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Bunions- A Pain In The Foot

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Published: 28Jul2009
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Bunions can be incredibly painful and they require some special care. Bunions are often hereditary but are also often caused by ill- fitting shoes. Once you suspect or know you have a bunion though it is time to get on and deal with it. Many doctors will quickly recommend surgery as the only answer, but this is not always necessary. There are other ways to deal with bunions besides surgery. The number one first step is to change your footwear. The bad news is that once you have developed a bunion it is probably not going to disappear in a hurry. You can reduce its effects and pain though. Good footwear is the start.

Over 90% of bunion sufferers are women. Stop for a moment and think about why this is. Yes, it is that trying to squeeze our foot into tight toed, high heeled shoes that deform our feet for life. While many of us may squirm at the thought of some Asian practices of foot binding that is exactly what we have done to our selves. No lectures though - if you a bunion you need to deal with it and hopefully avoid surgical techniques.

If you are not sure if you are developing a bunion, just look for that tell-tale bump at the end joint of the big toe. Occasionally people also develop a bunion on the little tiny toe side too. Squishing your feet is the most likely cause of developing a bunion so it makes sense that un-squishing them is going to help.

To prevent bunions becoming worse using toe spacers is a good action plan. Toe spacers are usually made of rubber or silicone gel. They work by keeping that big toe from trying to cross its way over onto the next toe. Most toe spacers are designed to work while wearing shoes and using a bunion shield at the same time. You can also get bunion splints to wear at night. Another great new product is called Yoga Toes which help by exercising your toes and can help improve your bunion. The most important thing for bunion sufferers is to find the best possible footwear. Forget the high heels for a few years if you can. If you really can't imagine your self without them at least see a podiatrist and get some highly supportive inserts. If you don't you have no one but your self to blame for ongoing pain.

There are plenty of fashionable shoes available that you can choose from that won't aggravate your bunion. Always go for a wide toe bed and if your bunion is severe consider wearing men's shoes for that bit of extra room. You can also have your shoes specially stretched to accommodate your bunion.

Fit Flops are a great option too for bunion sufferers. Many people have reported on how comfortable they feel and how they take the stress off that vulnerable toe area. There are also specially designed hiking shoes that will accommodate your bunion as well as every day wear. They may cost a little more but for comfort's sake they are well worth it.

If you have a bunion you are probably well aware of the need to care for your feet as your major form of support. Be good to your self and you may be able to avoid surgery later on.

Dr. Jennifer Feeny is a board certified podiatrist in Blacksburg Virginia. To read more of what Dr. Feeny is saying about foot health visit visit her webite, Shenandoah Podiatry.

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