For Bunions, Footwear Fit Is a Shoe-In

SATURDAY, Feb. 12 (HealthDayNews) --When it comes to bunion pain, if the shoe fits, wear it, experts say.

Paying close attention to your shoes can help prevent bunion discomfort, according to an article in the February issue of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

Bunions are bony protrusions that form at the base of the big toe that develop as the result of years of abnormal motion and pressure on your big toe joint. This can be caused by low arches, flat feet or shoes that don''t fit properly.

Pressure from a shoe that fits tightly over a bunion can cause pain. To avoid that problem, wear shoes that don''t crowd or irritate your toes. Don''t wear shoes that are too tight, narrow or pointed. Don''t wear high heels, which force your toes to the front of your shoes, the newsletter said.

Use shoe-stretching devices or sprays on tight shoes to make more room for your toes. Nonprescription shoe inserts can also help because they keep your foot from leaning inward.

Applying a bunion pad may help reduce pain for mild bunions. But padding may worsen crowding due to severe bunions and cause more pain.

The article offers some other suggestions:

• Apply ice several times a day if your bunion is inflamed or painful.
• Nonprescription pain relievers can help control bunion pain.
• Ultrasound therapy or whirlpool baths can provide relief.
• Surgery isn''t usually necessary. But it may be helpful if recurrent bunion pain interferes with your daily life and other treatments don''t help.

More information

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons has more about bunions.

-- Robert Preidt

SOURCE: Mayo Clinic, news release, Jan 28, 2005