Bunions are extremely annoying and painful. They are bony projections on the inner side of the foot, at the big toe joint. Bunions are caused when the bones that make up the big toe are shifted out of alignment under the application of pressure. Bunions make the toe stiff and make it hard to walk. The choice of your shoes often contributes to the formation of bunions. The condition can worsen if constant pressure is applied to it and its size increases.

So, it is best to avoid wearing tight and narrow shoes as they can further aggravate the condition. While bunions may be hereditary in nature, the main cause of it is a poor choice of footwear. There are several special shoes for bunions available in the market today. Wearing the right shoes is the key to minimizing the effects of the condition. Here is how you can choose the right shoes for bunion relief.

What kind of shoes do you need?
The kind of shoes that you need depends on the size of the bunion. If the bunion is small, all you need is a comfortable pair of shoes with extra room for your toes. You may need to purchase shoes which are a size larger than what you usually wear. If you insist on wearing heels, make sure that there is ample space for your toes to move and that the heel is no more than 1-2 inches.

You may also want to buy shoes with added depth. This ensures that your foot has more space. You can add an insert too which will support your foot. Custom made shoes are available for those who suffer from deformity due to bunions. You can also modify the shoes you already have to suit your needs. Shoes for bunions should provide comfort and that is all that matters.

Where can you find shoes for bunions?
You can find shoes for bunions at any specialized shoe store. There are several companies that make shoes that are soft and wide enough to accommodate bunions. All you have to do is research, look on the Internet or ask a friend who suffers from the same problem. You can also visit e-commerce sites online. Visit a doctor as he/she will recommend the right kind of shoes for bunions. Medicare covers the cost of your first pair of customized shoes. This includes its fitting. They will also pay for three pairs of inserts in case you buy extra-depth shoes to accommodate for more foot space.

Features to look for in the shoes for bunions
You now know where to buy shoes for bunions and the kind of shoes you need. There are a few other things you need to look out for as well. Remember that you cannot focus on making a fashion statement with these shoes as that is not the purpose of shoes for bunions. The shoes should be wide enough to provide your toes with enough room and comfort. The soles should be soft as well. Make sure that the shoes are made out of materials that are stretchy. Canvas and leather qualify for the same. Try to look for shoes which can be adjusted with a strap or laces in case you want to tighten or loosen its grip on your foot. As mentioned before, avoid shoes that are too tight or too narrow. Do not wear shoes that have heels higher than two inches. You can also cut a small hole into the back of your shoe to provide for ventilation.

What are the consequences of wearing normal shoes?
Wearing normal shoes could backfire. It could lead to several diseases and complications which include the likes of:

• Bursitis
  There is a fluid sac in the joints which goes by the name of a bursa. It acts as a cushion and prevents friction between bones inside your joints. Wearing tight shoes could lead to constant pressure and further alignment issues. This causes the sac to become swollen and is extremely painful.
• Hammer Toe
  True to its name, constant pressure on the toes could cause them to squeeze and contort to unnatural positions. They may bend painfully and permanently change shape.

Bunions cannot be cured without a surgery. While surgery is the only option for cure, you can keep your feet comfortable by choosing the right pair of shoes. Wearing the right footwear minimizes pain and promotes comfort. You can also modify the shoes you already have to suit your need. Whatever the case may be, while these shoes may not be the most appealing fashion wise, your health and comfort come first. So, follow this guide and choose the right shoes for bunions today.