CORPUS CHRISTI (Kiii News) -
They are not something most people like to talk about, or show off for that matter, but bunions are of concern. Especially for women who love their heels.
"They have a closet full of narrow-toed heels," podiatrist Dr. John Gouin said. "They don't want someone to tell them they've got to get rid of their shoes."
That's typically the reaction Dr. John Gouin will get from his female patients, mostly ages 30-60, who have developed bunions.
Though they can also be hereditary, bunions usually form and are aggravated by daily use of tight or narrow toed shoes.
"When they start wearing heels in their 20s, that's when the shoe itself will force the toes together," Gouin said. "It's going to get worse over time."
Gouin explained that eventually, the pinky toe may overlap the next toe in line, and that toe will start rubbing against the shoe.
The solution? It varies.
First, he said you have got to get rid of the tight heels. Then, there's padding, orthotic inserts, anti-inflammatory medications or even cortisone shots.
And then there's surgery, but if the problem is ignored, you can get to the point of no return; the point where a doctor can't even perform surgery.
Gouin said if you're noticing a bunion, first thing you need to do is see the podiatrist. And for pregnant ladies, Gouin said the best way to deal with a bunion is with orthotics, or wait to have surgery after you have your baby.
