Bunions & Bunionettes

A Bunion is the most common problem of the forefoot. A Bunion is a prominent bump on the 1st mpj or the big toe joint. This condition is most common in women; however, men can have bunions as well. Bunions develop from lack of proper biomechanics of the foot, or arthritis, but most commonly are caused by improper fitting footwear. Tight, narrow dress shoes with a constrictive toe box can cause the foot to take the shape of the shoe, leading to the formation of a Bunion. The toes are squeezed together in the shoe causing the first metatarsal bone to protrude toward the medial side of the foot. It is important for men, as well as women, to realize that improperly fitting taper toed shoes can cause a Bunion to worsen to the point where surgery may be necessary.

Another type of Bunion, which some individuals experience, is a Tailor's Bunion or more commonly known as a Bunionette. This forms on the lateral side of the foot at the 5th mpj or little toe joint. This condition is created for all of the same reasons a Bunion forms.

Common symptoms of a Bunion and/or Bunionette include inflammation, swelling, and soreness of this area. The discomfort commonly causes pain and fatigue and can be lessened, and in some cases eliminated, with the use of the ezWalker™. Other conservative treatments for the Bunion condition include products designed to relieve pressures such as bunion shields worn during the day and bunion night splints. This condition can also create Overlapping Toes. If Bunion pain persists and is left untreated often a bony protrusion may develop creating a spur as the body's way of protection. Most importantly, properly fitting footwear and the use of an ezWalker™ will relieve pain and provide a healthy environment for the foot.

Feet are constantly changing as we age. Have your fit checked regularly and remember the size on the measuring device is only a reference. Mass manufactured shoes are NOT all created equal. Refer to the Shoe Fitting Reference Guide for proper guidelines on how to best fit your shoes.

If you are following these guidelines and arch pain persists, you must seek the council of a physician for diagnosis and treatment.