It’s no secret that high heels and tight-fitting shoes can cause extreme discomfort and even lasting health issues. Foot bunions are one of the major risks we expose ourselves to when we consistently wear ill-fitting or uncomfortable footwear.
Victoria Beckham showcasing her stylish spiked white sandals, with visible bunions highlighting the impact of prolonged high-heel wear on foot health (Credit: WENN)
If you suffer from bunions, you’re not alone! Roughly 23 percent of people ages 18-65 are affected, including A-list celebs like Victoria Beckham, Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Hudson, and Paris Hilton.
Oprah Winfrey stepping out in chic black sandals, revealing a prominent bunion caused by prolonged foot pressure and high-heel wear (Credit: WENN)
Did you notice that these celebrities are well-known high-heel lovers and have made a living looking fabulous in sky-high stilettos?
Naomi Campbell wearing black velvet ankle-strap sandals, showcasing her elegant pedicure while highlighting visible bunions (Credit: WENN)
Bunions are one of the most common foot issues in adult life, and unfortunately, they occur most often in females. But don’t worry; there are ways to prevent and treat these painful and unsightly foot problems.
Paris Hilton dazzling in sparkly sandals on the red carpet, with visible bunions highlighting the effects of frequent high-heel wear (Credit: WENN)
Here are the facts you should know, regardless of whether you’re currently dealing with bunions or want to prepare and prevent them.
Oprah Winfrey with a painful-looking bunion showing through the straps of her Valentino “Rockstud” pumps (Credit: WENN)
What is a Bunion, and How Does It Develop?
According to the Mayo Clinic, a bunion is an angular deformity when the bone alongside the big toe — called the metatarsal — enlarges and grows outward.
If your big toe shifts inward toward your other toes and a bony bulge forms at the joint, you might be dealing with a bunion.
Comparison of a normal foot (left) and a foot with a bunion (right), showing the bony bump at the big toe joint, causing misalignment and inflammation (Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock)
This bulge will stick out of the foot at the toe’s base. It can cause pain and difficulty when wearing any shoe. A bunion can also occur on the other side of the foot, on the smallest toe at the joint. The proper term for this affliction is “bunionette.”
However, the small bumps on other toes are often simply callouses or corns, and tend not to cause as much discomfort as bunions.
Michelle Yeoh with very prominent bunions showing through her sparkly silver sandals (Credit: WENN)
Why Do Bunions Form? Understanding the Causes
Even though genetics come into play for many bunion sufferers, these pesky foot bulges can occur due to weak posture or foot strength or as a result of arthritis. Usually, bunions form due to prolonged cramping in the toes from uncomfortable footwear.
According to Penn Medicine, bunions typically develop due to prolonged pressure on the feet, which forces the big toe to shift toward the second toe. Over time, this misalignment can lead to the growth of extra bone at the joint where the big toe meets the foot, often causing pain and discomfort.
While the exact cause of bunions remains uncertain, many podiatrists point to high heels as a contributing factor due to the prolonged pressure they place on the toes and the forefoot (Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock)
That’s bad news for women who love constricting straps, narrow-toe boxes, and pointy toes on their shoes. If you wear heels or tight-fitting shoes for extended periods, your feet are at higher risk for bone deformity and painful bunion growths.
Iman exudes elegance in black leather heels, though visible bunions highlight the impact of fashionable yet narrow footwear on foot health (Credit: WENN)
5 Proven Ways to Prevent and Manage Bunions
If you notice one developing early, changing your shoes wouldn’t be a bad idea, but unfortunately, these bone growths won’t be reversed by simply swapping your heels for some sneakers. Although bunions won’t go away by themselves, here are five ways to decrease pain.
1. Wear cushioned shoes or add special padding to them. Making your shoes comfortable can ease some pain and prevent bunions from worsening.
2. Don’t wear shoes that squeeze your toes — especially ones that squish the bunion. This means no more pointy pumps, low vamps, or shoes with straps at the mounds.
3. Skip buying shoes made of materials that don’t stretch, like PVC, PU leather, and patent leather.
Amal Alamuddin-Clooney, with her bunions pushing out the sides of her pink-and-purple pointy-toe pumps (Credit: WENN)
4. If you can’t give up your narrow footwear or patent shoes, we understand, but at least try to limit how long you wear them. Check out this guide to see how long you can safely wear kitten, medium, and high heels.
5. Buy shoes specifically in wide widths and with bigger toe boxes. If you need help finding the right pair of shoes, consider getting a professional stylist or visit a shoe store with a Brannock Device.
For many, these lifestyle changes can help make living with bunions more manageable and prevent worsening conditions. However, sometimes bunions can become so painful and invasive that they impede everyday activities.
These bunions may require a surgical procedure to remove. Consult your podiatrist first to see if this surgery is the best action for you.
Tilda Swinton with a sore-looking bunion showing through her black t-strap sandals (Credit: WENN)
Bunions are a considerable health concern, especially for women, but they are preventable. When you begin to feel discomfort in the front of your toes from your footwear, maybe it’s time to take better care of your feet or treat yourself to a shoe-shopping spree.
We’ve rounded up some comfortable yet trendy styles from bunion-friendly brands that would make your feet and podiatrist proud!
A versatile collection featuring Arcopedico “L14” Flats (1), Born “Bima” Mules (2), Bernie Mev “Crisp” Sandals (3), Dansko “Marta” Mary-Jane Clogs (4), and Earthies “Essen” Ghillie Flats (5), offering stylish comfort and support for all-day wear
Further Reading on Foot Health and Bunions
Want to learn more about bunions, foot health, and choosing the right shoes? Check out these helpful articles on Your Next Shoes for expert insights:
- How Celebrities Like Amy Adams Manage Bunions While Wearing High Heels – Discover how A-listers embrace fashionable shoes despite foot challenges like bunions.
- The Hidden Health Risks of Wearing High Heels – Learn about the long-term effects of high heels, including their role in causing bunions and other foot issues.
- Top High Heel Inserts and Gel Cushions for Comfort – Find solutions to make your favorite heels more comfortable and bunion-friendly.
- Guide to Shoe Toe Shapes and Their Impact on Foot Health – Discover which toe shapes are best for preventing bunions and ensuring long-term foot comfort.
These tips and insights allow you to enjoy stylish footwear without sacrificing your foot health!