Winter shoes are usually narrower, causing friction between the bunion and the shoe. This can lead to greater inflammation and pain.
To prevent this pain, researchers suggest that women avoid high heels and shoes that are narrow, especially around the toes. Podiatrist Dr. Karl Collins explained, “If a patient has a shoe that fits well everywhere else, but there’s just a little bit of irritation at just that one spot, we may recommend that they have the shoe modified (by a shoe repair shop).”
Dr. Michelle Butterworth, podiatrist, further explained that shoes should be wider near the toe area, “Anything that’s real pointy is going to put more pressure on that (bunion) bump.”
You can also use gel or foam padding, take anti-inflammatory medications, and wear orthotics to prevent bunion pain. Although these steps can help you with pain, they won’t stop the bunion from growing. Surgery is the only treatment to remove a bunion and has a high success rate.