Will Wearing Wide Shoes Reduce My Bunion Pain?

Bunions are a common foot condition that may cause pain and discomfort when walking. While some people turn to wide-fitting shoes to find relief, there are better solutions in the form of custom orthotics.

Below, board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Suzanne Levine provides a closer look at bunions, including their causes and possible treatment options in New York City, NY. Our specialists at Millennium Podiatry can provide more information and resources when you schedule a foot assessment.

What causes bunion pain?

Bunions are noticeable bony bumps on the side of your big toe. They occur when the big toe is "pushed" toward the second toe, causing a deformity of the foot. Some factors that contribute to bunion development include:

Genetics: If bunions run in your family, you are more likely to develop this uncomfortable foot condition.
Arthritis: Bunions are associated with some forms of arthritis, particularly inflammatory types, like rheumatoid arthritis.
Trauma or injury to the foot: This includes anything from a stubbed toe to an improperly healed fracture.
Poor-fitting shoes: Wearing shoes that are tight or narrow puts pressure on your big toe and contributes to the development of bunions.

Bunions cause symptoms, like pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area. They also make it difficult to walk or wear shoes comfortably. When bunion pain prevents you from living life the way you want, it is time to seek treatment from a board-certified podiatric surgeon.

Will wearing wide shoes help?

Some people believe wearing wide shoes will help relieve bunion pain. This is because wide soles give the big toe more room to move. However, shoes that are too wide can be bulky and heavy for your feet. Instead, consider custom orthotics in New York City, NY, which are designed to support the foot and prevent bunions from causing discomfort.

How do custom orthotics work?

Orthotics are custom shoe inserts that correct the alignment of your feet and provide relief from pain. When bunions begin to develop, wearing orthotics every day keeps them from worsening. You can also use orthotics for special activities, like sports or exercise, that put more strain on your feet.

While store-bought inserts may help, they are designed to fit a wide range of foot shapes and sizes. This means they may not offer the right reinforcement for your needs. Custom orthotics at Millennium Podiatry are based on your unique foot shape.

How do you treat bunion pain?

Dr. Levine offers conservative treatment options, like orthotics for mild cases of bunions, but moderate to severe cases may require pain injections or surgery. Rest assured that Millennium Podiatry offers several surgical procedures to correct bunion deformities, and some may not even require stitches after the initial small incision. We can make personalized recommendations based on the severity of your bunion and your goals for treatment.

Treat bunion pain with our advanced solutions

Foot conditions like bunions can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking. If you suffer from bunions in New York City, NY, look to board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Suzanne Levine for relief. Millennium Podiatry is proud to offer a wide range of treatment options, including custom orthotics and advanced surgical procedures. Call to schedule a foot assessment and see how we can help you.