My feet always hurt and a friend told me that it may be due to my bunion. What are they and how can I treat them? – Leena, 23

My feet always hurt and a friend told me that it may be due to my bunion. What are they and how can I treat them? – Leena, 23

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Thursday, 27 May 2010 09:53

Bunions occur when there is an enlargement of the bone or tissue around the joint at the base of your big toe. As a result, your big toe turns inward towards the second toe, leading to the swelling of the tissues surrounding the joint. Sometimes, a bunion might even develop near your small toe (called a “bunionette”).

The bump of the bunion may result in blisters around the area and pain when you walk. Although it has been widely speculated that bunions are caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, it is actually a genetic abnormality and footwear like high heels can worsen the condition.

Bunions can be treated by:

Changing the type of shoes you wear. Try to avoid wearing pointy-toed heels too often and wear flats or round toed shoes to give your bunion some breathing space.
Using orthotic devices like gelled toe spacers, bunion/toes separators, bunion regulators, bunion splints and bunion cushions for support.
Surgery as the last resort.

You can refer to foot specialists such as Schein Orthopaedics Malaysia and Family Podiatry Centre for the best way to treat your problem.

Photography: Getty Images

Last Updated ( Friday, 02 July 2010 17:52 )

Comments (5)

I am facing the same problem as Leena too. My advice would be wears high heels only when it is really required. Else, it would be the best to wear flats for comfort.

I suggest you to refer to a qualified pharmacist and ask if any thing he or she can recommend... and perhaps they can look at your condition clearly before any recommendation to you.

Wear comfortable yet chic flats!

try to damp ur feet at luke warm water every alternate night, it will smoothen ur feet

Thank you Cleo for the info. I have the similar problem as Leena. I have the "bunionette". I also have blisters at some areas of my feet. And not only is the pain sometimes excruciating but also it's painful to see the ugliness of my poor feet.