Do I have Bunions or Hammer Toes?

Do I Really Have

Bunions or Hammer Toes

? Will I have to wear shoes for bunions? If you are not familiar with what a bunion is, it is an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint just at the base of the big toe. What happens is as the big toe turns inward, the bone at the base of the big toe is pushed outward. So as you are walking, you are actually walking on the bunion. This can cause the tissues around the joint to become more tender and swollen. You may have skin irritation over the bunion accompanied with redness around the joint, as well as, stiffness.

Hammer toes on the other hand involve the second, third and or forth toes. At the top joint the toe is permanently bent. Like bunions, this can be caused by poorly fitting shoes in that are either too tight or too short that cause the toes to bend improperly over long periods of time wearing shoes. In either case, they same type of shoes need to be worn in order to ensure your toes are comfortable.

Many people do not realize that there is another condition that can also happen to the baby toe. This is referred to as a bunionette that will have the same symptoms as bunions with the exception of being the little toe.

Shoes for Bunions - Click for another sandal optionWith both types of bunions, and the hammer toes, there can be a great deal of pain when walking so a proper fitting shoe to give adequate space will certainly help. Contrary to belief, bunions can develop at any age. Weak bone structure in the feet can contribute to bunions, as well as, shoes too narrow or with a high heel. High heels are not considered the right shoes for bunions or hammer toes.

One thing that sets bunions aside from any other suspected illnesses, is that bunions develop into a joint deformity to the point where the big toe looks odd. This is not an overnight issue, bunions develop gradually overtime and you may not even notice until you have symptoms. These symptoms may not be in the feet, there could be symptoms elsewhere such as the knee, hip, and lower back. If not properly cared for, arthritis can develop, also with the hammer toes. Once the symptoms start, you will need to consider researching shoes right away!

You may have also heard of a bunion referred to as a bump on the side of the big toe. It is definitely more than a big lump. So what are the signs if you have a bunion? If you start to notice irritation around the joint at the base of the big toe, experience pain when walking or running, you notice redness, and the big toe looks like it is shifting you may have bunions.

When you have bunions or hammer toes, it is difficult to find comfortable shoes for bunions or hammer toes that fit properly . If you do not have the correct shoe, you may experience pain in different parts of your foot. This is because the structure of the foot’s compensating for the bunion or hammer toe and the the ligaments and tendons that support the foot now have to work much harder in order for you to walk.

Dress Shoes for Bunions

Whether you are a man or a woman, there are

Dress Shoes for Bunions

for you! So you have not been able to find a dress shoe? Well there are plenty of styles and colors alike available to choose from and yes they are easier to find online then in your average shoe store. Even if you do have stores in your area, have you noticed what they sell looks more like an athletic or walking shoe, or something that your great-great-great-grandmother wore? Okay, maybe too many greats but you get the idea.

Dress shoes for bunions are available and they do come in varied heals for women, in a sandal, closed or open toe and in a variety of colors and fabrics. Not everyone wants to go to a store and brake out their bunions, so being able to shop in the comfort of your home is great! For men, there are plenty of options as well. You have a choice of slip ons or lace ups. Lace ups are probably going to be better in case you plan on doing a lot of standing or dancing, you can adjust accordingly. This way whatever special occasion you attend, you will be comfortable. The last thing you want is to be distracted by your feet!

Now it goes without saying that it can be difficult shopping for dress shoes at home because of sizing. What you will need to do is a little bit of homework. When you see what you like online, here are a few tips: – Decide if you want an open or closed shoe – that is are you ready to break out your bunions. – Have a color in mind – don’t torture yourself finding that proper shoe and the site not have the right color – Read the reviews of others – Check to see if the manufacture has any type of information on their sizing. If you are in the United States and so is the manufacture and they state true to size, you will have a chance of getting that perfect fit. Otherwise as we know some shoes do run a lot smaller. – Check how long it will take to ship them to you. The last thing you want is to have a shoe arrive after the event. – Have a clear understanding on the return policy. Now I hope you have a better understanding that all is not lost finding a dress shoe for your bunions! It may take a little time and effort, but it will be well worth it. Once you find that perfect shoe by that perfect designer, for the future you will know your fit and you will know what size you will wear in their line of shoes.

How do you get Bunions?

Shoes for Bunions

are the best footwear to buy if you do indeed have bunions. There are many things to factor in when it comes to bunions. One way to get bunions is to be predisposed and someone in your family probably wore shoes that were too tight for his or her feet. That is, it could be genetic. If there are people in your family that have bunions, then there is a good chance you will develop them as well. Then others believe that poor fitting shoes is the primary cause of them. If the shoes do not fit properly, this can affect the natural way you foot is supposed to move. We also cannot discount foot injuries as being a cause. This can eventually alter you foot bone structure. Bunions can be caused by a combination of all of these things as well.

You are not alone if you suffer from this condition and are in need of shoes for bunions. Approximately 30% of the people living in Western countries, or people that wear Western footwear, struggle with this foot condition. The majority of shoes these days are built more for style than for comfort.

Shoes For Bunions - What Not To Wear

Bunions are more prevalent in women, mainly because of the high heels that are worn have a tendency to squeeze the toes and they are constantly pushed forward. Over time, having these tight fitting shoes only adds to developing bunions. That is not to say that men do not get bunions, on the contrary they get them too. Many people will see as we get older there will be changes in your feet. It is sad to say, but if feet aren’t cared for, eventually everyone will get bunions

You may also experience bunions if:

  • You have flat feet
  • Your foot rolls inward when you walk
  • Too much pressure on your big toe

However you found yourself with bunions, it is not too late, now it is time to get comfortable shoes for bunions or your condition could get a lot worse. Now many people think that your stylish footwear days are over. That is not the case anymore. There are many styles and colors that may surprise you. Just because they may not be available at every shoe store you go to does not mean they don’t exist. The most important thing is to make sure your feet have enough room and that the shoes fit properly. Ill fitting shoes only add to having bunions.