Can ill-fitting shoes cause bunions?

The Independent recently ran a feature that focused on ’12 best orthopaedic and supportive shoes that don’t compromise on style’. Within this article, our expert orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Andrea Bianchi comments on how much shoes can impact the health of your foot.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re 20 or 80, wearing shoes that fit and support your feet well is vitally important. “If your shoes don’t fit, it can cause significant problems for your feet,” says Dr Andrea Bianchi, an orthopaedic surgeon at The Private Clinic.

“Problems like bunions can develop and get worse from wearing ill-fitting and uncomfortable footwear as they can induce excessive pressure on the toes by forcing the first and fifth toes towards the centre, thus compressing the other toes.”

Some orthopaedic or supportive shoes have removable insoles so that you can insert your own orthotic (a moulded shoe insert designed to support or align the foot). “Just as the eyes need glasses, the foot can require an orthotics insole,” says Dr Bianchi.

“Now that we wear shoes, the foot has lost the daily training that was once done by walking barefoot.” Dr Bianchi adds. “If your foot isn’t properly aligned or you have fallen arches on the feet, you can wear over-the-counter orthotics or those that a doctor prescribes. These are custom-made specifically for you and will ensure that your foot is well-supported.”

The Independent then go on to feature a selection of shoes that they believe to be the best orthopaedic or supportive shoes in 2023.

Read the full article here.

Why choose The Private Clinic for Bunion Removal Surgery?

If bunions are causing you discomfort and pain, then our minimally invasive keyhole bunion removal surgery is likely to be the ideal treatment for you. Performed as a daycare procedure with minimal downtime it is a great procedure for busy patients who don’t want the downtime from traditional bunion surgery. You will be able to walk immediately following the procedure, with no need for crutches. For further information or to book a bunion removal appointment please click here or call 0330 838 1686.  

• Exclusive to The Private Clinic in the UK, there is no other operation like this one.
• Bunion Removal Surgery is performed under local anaesthesia using keyhole techniques.
• This is the only natural operation with no metal fixtures such as wires or screws being used.
• There is a 98% success rate following the bunion operation.
• Mr Bianchi, an expert in his field has been carrying out bunion operations for 15 years.
• Dr Bianchi carries out on average 1,200 bunion operations a year.
• You will be able to bear weight on your foot quickly after surgery.
• No need for an overnight stay
• Minimal post-operative pain and aftercare.
• Treatment carried out in our state-of-the-art London Fitzroy hospital
• 24-hour patient helpline direct to your nursing team and surgeon, which means should you have any concern we are here to help.
• Dedicated post-operative care and appointments with your surgeon and nursing team. We are here to give you the best experience.
• Our minimally-invasive bunion removal treatment has been recognised in Tatler’s 2020 Beauty & Cosmetic Surgery Guide.
• Our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to a newfound confidence.
• View our bunion before and after photos.
• Watch our bunion treatment and testimonial videos.
• Read our extensive bunion FAQs