Early Signs of an Achilles Tendon Injury
The Achilles tendon is large, thick, and powerful, but an injury can set you back several months. Read on to learn about the early signs of an Achilles tendon injury and the next steps in treatment.
How to Choose Bunion-Friendly Shoes
Living with bunions isn't easy, especially when you're active and into shoes. However, not all good-looking shoes are great for your feet, especially when you’re dealing with a bunion.
Choosing the right shoes with bunions is crucial for pain relief and to help keep the condition from worsening. If you're unsure where to start, Dr. Marque A. Allen and the Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio team can provide you with options and expert advice.
Dr. Allen is an esteemed foot and ankle surgeon offering a range of treatments for bunions, from shoe modifications to surgical options for long-term relief and comfort.
Do shoes cause bunions?
Many people believe that wearing the wrong type of shoes causes bunions, but that's not entirely accurate. Bunions occur due to a faulty foot structure or a condition like arthritis that causes the bones to shift out of alignment.
However, tight shoes that press against the bunion deformity can exacerbate symptoms and pain. Although there's an underlying cause or condition, the wrong shoes can make a bunion much worse.
The real reason behind a bunion is metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint misalignment that happens at the base of the big toe. The result is a bony bump that protrudes from the side of the foot, causing pain and redness.
Tips for choosing the right shoes
One way to alleviate bunion pain and prevent the condition from worsening is by choosing the proper footwear. Wearing the wrong shoes can put pressure on the MTP joint, exacerbating the condition and causing pain.
Dr. Allen provides his patients with tips to help them choose the best shoes for feet with bunions.
He recommends choosing shoes with:
A wide-toe box
A wide toe box is critical for bunions. It allows the toes room to move and spread naturally, preventing painful pressure on the bunion.
Flexible materials
Breathable and flexible materials are also a must in a shoe for bunions. Pliable and soft materials reduce the risk of friction on the bunion, which alleviates irritation, redness, and pain.
A low heel
High heels put significant pressure on the bones and joints in the feet, worsening the misalignment and discomfort. Instead, choose a shoe with a low or moderate heel that's comfortable for walking.
Good arch support
Proper arch support is crucial, especially when you have a bunion. Select a shoe that's comfortable and offers ample cushioning around the arch. It allows the feet to distribute your weight evenly, reducing pressure on the bunion.
A cushioned midsole
Proper cushioning in the shoe provides shock absorption, which is critical in reducing bunion pain. Choose something comfortable enough to wear all day without causing discomfort.
If you can't find a shoe that meets your needs, Dr. Allen can guide you in the right direction or recommend specific orthopedic shoes that suit your needs.
He may also suggest custom orthotics to take pressure off the bunion and prevent it from worsening, even with the right shoes.
To learn more about bunion treatment and prevention, call one of our offices in Alamo Heights or San Antonio, Texas, today to schedule an appointment or request a consultation with Dr. Allen on our website.
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