Do High Heels Cause Bunions?

November 14, 2024

Do High Heels Cause Bunions? The Connection and Treatment Options

It’s common for high heels to cause foot problems. However, if you wear them all day, every day, then more serious issues like corns, calluses and other foot-related issues can develop over time. But what about bunions? Do high heels cause bunions?

This guide can help you understand bunions, what causes them and how to manage them. If you already have bunions affecting your quality of life, we’ll help you get clarity on how to get rid of them for good so you can get back to walking comfortably and living the life you deserve.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion — also called hallux valgus — is a bony bump on the inside edge of the foot at the bottom of the big toe joint. It can develop if your big toe shifts toward your second toe, pushing the base of the joint out. If you have bunions, you’re not alone. They are one of the most common foot problems in adults.

Bunion Symptoms

Here are the most common symptoms related to bunions:

Pain on the big toe
Bulging bump on the base of the big toe
Limited ability to bend or move the big toe
Swelling, discoloration or stiffness on the big toe
Calluses or corns which develop when toes rub against each other

Do High Heels Cause Bunions?

High heels don’t directly cause bunions, but they are a risk factor — we discuss the others below — and can irritate a bunion or turn a mild one into a more serious problem.

Just think about how your toes sit while wearing heels. Most likely, they’re squeezed into a small and narrow space. This can cause pressure on your whole foot, particularly your big toe, as it might lean toward your smaller toes. Over time, the joint on the inside edge may start sticking out. So, bunions can be one of the long-term effects of wearing high heels.

High heels and bunions aren’t the best combination, especially if you already have them. Unfortunately, these shoes are typically not designed with proper foot support in mind.

4 Common Causes of Bunions

Some people can wear high heels for many years and never have any bunions. This is because, while high heels can cause foot problems, when it comes to bunions, they’re not the only risk factor. The factors that contribute to developing bunions include:

1. Family History and Foot Anatomy

While research about bunions is still ongoing, studies show that many people with bunions have family members who also have them. Additionally, an individual’s risk of developing a bunion is higher if their parents, siblings or children have bunions. This data suggests a genetic component.

The anatomy of your foot may also increase your chances of developing bunions. You may be more likely to develop bunions if you were born with foot deformities.

2. Tight Shoes

Shoes that are tight, narrow — especially at the base — or ill-fitting can push the big toe into the bunion position. Standing for a long time while in these shoes can also cause other foot-related problems.

3. Foot Injuries

People with a history of foot injuries may develop bunions over time, especially if the injury forces the big toe closer to the second toe.

4. Health Conditions

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints and the surrounding tissue. This arthritis causes lots of pain. The condition can also affect the feet and cause them to change their natural shape, sometimes resulting in bunions. This is just one example of a health condition that can contribute to developing bunions.

How to Treat Bunions

There are some noninvasive yet effective ways to help improve your bunion condition. Whether you have a small or large bunion, the following can help mitigate the situation.

1. Get the Right Shoes

Any shoes that are too tight, narrow and have pointed tips don’t give your feet adequate support. Instead, focus on purchasing shoes that fit well and have wide insteps with broad toe boxes. This will help ensure that your feet — including your bunion — fit comfortably.

If you have to wear high heels, opt for ones that are only a couple of inches tall to prevent placing too much pressure on the front of your foot. In addition, remember to look at the shoes’ heels. They should fit snugly around the heel of your foot to prevent your feet from wobbling around while you walk and causing other challenges.

2. Wear Protective Pads

Protective silicone pads, which you can easily purchase at your local drugstore, can provide the much-needed cushion for your bunion area. Try different sizes to get the right fit when going this route. If the pad isn’t the right size, it may put more pressure on your bunion area, causing more issues.

3. Try Orthotics

Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts. Your podiatrist can prescribe orthotics to help accommodate or correct abnormal walking, standing or running postures. Orthotics can also help with foot pain from wearing high heels.

4. Get Medication

If you have inflammation or swelling in your feet, medications like ibuprofen can help reduce the swelling and, ultimately, the pain. While this might not treat bunions directly, it can help alleviate some of the pain they cause.

Can You Reverse a Bunion?

Unfortunately, you can’t naturally reverse a bunion. Once they’ve started developing, your podiatrists can help you manage them at home and with different methods to relieve pain and discomfort, but these natural methods won’t shrink or reverse them.

A bunionectomy can help permanently correct bunions. This procedure is ideal if you have a bunion that isn’t improving with less invasive treatments. It’s a minor surgery that involves correcting the problematic joint and typically doesn’t require a hospital stay. Full recovery often takes around three to five months. After this short period, you will be back on your feet and should be able to walk and move around more easily.

Your Comfort Is Important

Bunions can affect your quality of life. Simple movements like running or walking can cause unbearable pain. One key component to reducing this pain and discomfort is choosing the right shoes that are made with support in mind. Sometimes, this means giving up on your favorite pair, but your well-being is worth it.

If you’re having bunion challenges, you don’t have to walk this journey alone. Our podiatric services can tailor a special plan to help you get back on your feet and enjoy the daily activities you’ve always loved.

At Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates, we treat various ankle, heel and foot problems. Our primary focus is improving people’s quality of life. Call 360-754-3338 or message us today to schedule a podiatry appointment. We will help you get back to living the life you deserve.