Are Ballet Flats Better for Bunions?

Celebrity feet disasters can happen to anyone and bunions are an unsightly foot problem some haven’t been able to escape—Victoria Beckham, Uma Thurman, and Katie Holmes are true beauties that have been photographed in their best but have had their foot deformity stealing the spotlight. Towering high heels are culprits for turning bunions from bad to worse, but ballet flats aren’t much help either. So, what should you wear?

A bunion is a deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe and is most often caused by inheriting a faulty foot structure—yes, you may have your parents to blame! The first metatarsal joint pushes outward and the big toe leans inward, creating the telltale bunion bump on the side of the foot. It is a progressive problem that will get worse over time if you don’t protect your feet. As we mentioned, high heels are a type of shoe that can make this condition worse. The tight toe box squishes toes while the tall heel shifts your body weight onto the ball of the foot. When your structure is already compromised because of the bunion, this just adds more stress and pain onto the joint.

All of this may lead you to think that flats would be best, since they’re the total opposite of high platforms. The truth is, they can be dangerous too. First of all, the soles are thin and offer little to no protection and support. When the arch of your foot has no support, it can’t effectively distribute weight each time it strikes the ground, which alters the biomechanics of the lower leg. Your feet will feel fatigued and you could develop arch and heel pain, as well as knee, hip, and lower back discomfort. A flat may also fit too snugly around the bunion. If the shoe is too loose, your toes tend to scrunch to keep it from flopping off your heel, which can also aggravate a bunion. It is best to wear a quality leather shoe with a roomy toe box and sturdy heel counter.

For expert bunion treatment, contact Dallas Podiatry Works before the problem gets worse. You can reach Drs. Joel Brook, Arroyo, and McClurkin in Dallas, TX, at 972.853.7100 or in Plano, TX, at (972) 943-3323.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.