The need for bunion surgery in Sugar Land often results from wearing shoes that distort the natural shape of the feet. Women in particular are at risk for bunion formation.

This video explains how footwear can impact foot health. Many women wear high heels, but this type of shoe can create unnatural pressure on interior side of each foot. As a result, the large toe bends inward toward the rest of the toes, which forces the bones at the base of the toe to protrude. A foot and ankle specialist may caution women who wear high heels to try other forms of footwear that allow the feet to move as they normally would. Shoes with a wide toe box can provide sufficient space and support, which can help in averting bunion surgery.

Bunions are often a chronic problem that can make finding suitable footwear challenging and walking without pain difficult. Understanding the circumstances that create bunions can help you better prevent them. If you already suffer from this issue, though, you likely need the help of a foot doctor in Sugar Land. A podiatrist can provide you with timely treatment that eases your discomfort and stems the progression of this common condition.

Why Bunions Develop

Should you have bunions, you may find your footwear to be the cause. When you regularly wear shoes that force your toes to squeeze together, you may actually change the alignment of your toe joints. Especially when your big toe pushes toward your smaller toes, the base of it may jut out. The longer that you use footwear that creates these conditions, the more likely that you will have bunions because of it. However, bunions may also form for reasons beyond your control. A foot and ankle specialist may tell you to look at the feet of your parents. If they have bunions, you may be genetically predisposed to this problem. Wearing poorly structured shoes may only hasten it.

How a Foot Doctor Can Treat Bunions

You do not have to live with a lifetime of bunion pain. Getting appropriate treatment for bunions as soon as possible can not only save you from further discomfort, but also prevent you from needing more extensive foot care. If you notice a problem in the very earliest stages of bunion formation, your foot doctor may recommend replacing your current footwear with shoes more accommodating of your toes. He might also introduce padding or orthotics into your shoes so that the side of your toes experience less severe pressure. If these measures cannot alleviate your condition, bunion removal may be necessary. Bunion surgery can be tailored to your needs. For instance, your foot specialist may decide that taking off a minimal amount of bone from the side of your foot is all you need to restore your foot health. Should you suffer from severe bunions, the surgical realignment of the toe joints might be the better treatment option.

If you regularly choose high heels to complement your outfit, you’re putting yourself at risk of a wide array of health problems. High heels are notorious for causing foot pain, but did you know that your heels can affect practically your whole body? In addition to bunions, ingrown toenails, and neuromas, high heels can lead to back problems and even headaches. This is because they affect the angle of the lumbar and cervical regions of the spine.

Watch this video to learn more about the many problems associated with high heel use. This doctor explains how these fashionable shoes cause ankle problems, knee pain, and even eye problems.

If you’ve suffered a foot or ankle injury , contact Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists at (281) 242-3338 and ask us how we can relieve your foot pain. Our podiatry clinic is conveniently located in Sugar Land and Houston.

Women have special healthcare concerns when it comes to their feet. Due to lifestyle factors such as high heel and hosiery use, they’re more susceptible to a range of podiatric conditions. Furthermore, pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to foot pain and swelling. If you have concerns about the health of your feet, talk to a foot doctor about treatments and lifestyle modifications that can help.

Limit High Heel Use

If you’ve ever suffered from discomfort or pain after wearing high heels , you probably already know that they’re not good for your feet or ankles. The pain isn’t necessarily a temporary condition, either; with continued use, high heels can lead to permanent damage. Problems from excessive high heel use can range from ingrown toenails to bunions to nerve damage. It can also lead to low back pain, sciatica, and osteoarthritis. Choose flat shoes whenever possible. It’s a good idea to keep a spare pair of comfortable shoes in the office, even if you prefer to enter and leave your workplace while wearing high heels. Ask your podiatrist for help selecting more comfortable footwear.

Choose Proper Hosiery

Nylon hosiery may not seem like much of a health concern at first blush. However, it doesn’t allow for air circulation and it traps the heat, creating an ideal environment for the growth of fungi. The pressure of the hosiery may also cause ingrown toenails and hammertoes. Instead of selecting the inexpensive nylon brands, choose a well-fitting, high-quality stocking.

Care for Your Feet While Pregnant

One of the many changes pregnancy causes is swelling of the feet and ankles. Plus, the extra weight causes foot pain. Wear supportive footwear as recommended by your podiatrist and skip the dress shoes until after you’ve given birth. Your podiatrist may also recommend using an orthotic insert for added support.

The board-certified podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists have extensive experience in treating the unique foot care concerns of women. To schedule an appointment with our clinics in Sugar Land or Houston, call (281) 242-3338. We offer state-of-the-art treatments for podiatric conditions, including foot laser treatments, on-site diagnostics, and advanced ankle surgery.

The shoes you wear provide support and protection for your feet and ankles. Choosing the right footwear is an essential part of maintaining good foot health now and in the future. If you have special considerations or questions about choosing footwear that is good for your feet, ask your podiatrist for recommendations.

Make Sure Your Shoes Fit

Shoes that don’t fit properly can cause falls, broken bones, sprains, and even foot deformities. Wearing shoes that are too small or have pointed toe boxes squeeze the toes and cause them to bend inward. Shoes that are too large allow the foot to slip, causing blisters and instability when you move. Make sure that shoes fit well before purchasing them. Remember that your feet are not exactly the same size, and buy shoes that fit the larger of your feet for improved comfort.

Tailor Your Shoes to Your Activity

There are many varieties of shoes, each meant to serve a different purpose. Wearing the wrong footwear for a given activity puts your feet and ankles at risk. If you are playing a sport, wear an athletic shoe rather than dress shoes or sandals. Choose a shoe suited to the activity in which you are participating; shoes are designed differently for basketball players, runners, dancers, and baseball players. Speak to an employee at your shoe store if you’re not sure which kind of shoe is best for your needs.

Discard Old Shoes

Learn to recognize when shoes are past their prime and replace them. Shoes that have holes in the soles, cracked rubber, unstable heels, or broken laces will not protect your feet. Replace athletic and running shoes regularly, as these types of footwear tend to wear out more quickly than work or dress shoes.

Protect your feet with the help of the podiatrists at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists. We have been serving Sugar Land and Houston for over ten years. Click on our website or call (281) 242-3338 for help managing injuries, fungal infections, and more.