Summer is nearly here and that means big sunglasses, maxi skirts and strappy sandals. However, if you suffer from bunions the thought of this could fill you with dread. Because while strappy summer sandals may look great, they can leave bunions exposed and unsupported.
Calla shoes
However, constant bad footwear choices and battling with style over comfort can take its toll on feet and can create lasting damage. So where’s the happy medium?
First things first you’re not alone. Bunions are a very common problem for thousands of women including celebrities such as Meghan Markle, Victoria Beckham and Amal Clooney.
Here, Jennifer Bailey, founder of Calla Shoes – a stylish, footwear brand specifically for women with bunions - shares 10 things you probably didn’t know about bunions.
What’s in a name?
The word bunion originates from the Latin word for ‘turnip’, due to how the bunion changes the shape of the foot – however, the medical term is hallux valgus.
They’re hereditary
Bunions often run in the family, meaning if your mum suffers it’s likely you will too. Although there are no quick fixes, there are measures you can take to minimise the impact, such as avoiding high heels and tight fitting shoes.
Pregnancy affects them
It can be common for women’s bunions to get worse during pregnancy, as ligaments and soft tissue loosen and become more relaxed ahead of the birth. In order to look after foot health during pregnancy it is recommended to avoid high heels. Instead opt for flat, comfy shoes that will support the feet.
Tell-tale signs
As well as the obvious signs, such as redness, a lump and the sloping of the toe, muscle spasms in the affected area are another sign that the foot mechanics are starting to suffer. This is the body’s warning sign, that something is wrong, and that your muscles are trying to calm an unstable foot. Don’t ignore it!
Exercise can help
It’s important to keep foot muscles strong as this helps to counteract any muscle imbalances caused by the developing bunion. Performing simple foot exercises daily, such as pointing and flexing the toes, can have many benefits, as improved muscle strength can make daily activities, like walking, less painful.
Arching can relive pain
Bunions are more likely to occur if you have flat feet, due to the existing issues that weight bearing activities can cause to the structure of the foot. Heel arches and insoles are an effective, everyday treatment to try and relieve foot pain. These fit inside the shoes and are designed to help the bones in your feet stay in the right position.
Surgery
The usual recovery period after bunion surgery is at least six weeks, however this all depends on the amount of soft tissue and bone affected. Brits are increasingly opting to avoid serious medical treatment, such as bunion surgery, as there are other options available. A survey by Calla Shoes found nearly half of Brits (42 per cent) would simply live with a medical condition, if a solution meant they could live with it more comfortably.
Size doesn’t matter
The size of a bunion doesn’t determine the pain level. Often smaller bunions can be more painful than large bunions. However, the size will impact footwear choices, as large ones make it more difficult to find comfortable, accommodating shoes.
Teenagers suffer too
Surprisingly not all bunions occur in adults. It’s quite common for teens to start developing bunions too. To prevent growth it’s essential that teens wear practical shoes, which aren’t pushing their toes together, and avoid wearing heels from an early age.
Act fast
As soon as you start to spot the signs of your foot changing, visit a podiatrist. Acting fast and adopting sensible footwear could help to slow the bunion developing. When buying a new pair of shoes, make sure to have around a half an inch of allowance at the front and back of the shoe. Bunion sufferers should avoid patent leather shoes or any heel where the material does not stretch, as it will squash the bunion, potentially causing a great deal of pain.
Tagged in Feet