For people with foot and ankle problems, picking out the right shoe can be quite a challenge. The importance of picking the right pair of shoes does not only complements outfits and helps you stay relaxed, but also helps you keep optimal foot health. Not selecting the right shoe or continuing to wear ill-fitted shoes can lead to one of the most common foot conditions called bunions. Poor shoe choice can cause a bony lump to form on the side of the big toe joint.

For all those people who have foot disorders, especially bunions, there is a multitude of ways to safeguard and guarantee protection for their feet. One such way to prevent bunions from worsening is to opt for shoes that best suit you.

Here are some of the qualities to look out for:

• Wear shoes that have wide or rounded toe boxes. This helps avoid cramping of your toes and prevents any unnecessary pressure on the foot joint.
• Buy shoes that are designed with flexible or stretchy materials. The flexible canvas allows the shoe to move around the bunion as you walk.
• You may have to go up a shoe size or more to prevent the bunions from getting worse and help relieve pain.

If you suspect any early bunion formation or are experiencing any foot pain, it is always best to consult a podiatrist for the best solutions. The sooner you spot a problem, the easier it is to treat.

Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Joseph C. Stuto of Joseph Stuto, DPM, specializes in various podiatry subspecialties. Whether you have arthritis, sprains, bunions, flat feet, fungal infections, diabetic foot, neuromas, heel spurs or warts, our experienced podiatrist can help defeat all your foot and ankle problems and maintain optimal foot health. You can visit our extensive patient library to learn more about topics that interest you. Call (718) 624-7537 and schedule an appointment.