INTRODUCING BUNION BOOTIES

Finally, a bunion correcting product that will fit into any shoe! As seen in the photo, they appear like a second skin—smooth, thin and flexible.

The Bunion Bootie is designed to guide the big toe back into its natural position, thus improving gait and reducing bunion pain. It is important to note that they are not suitable for individuals with bunions that have reached a severe state of deformity.

I have ordered bunion booties to test and review, so tune in for updates. If you are anxious to give them a try and should decide to order before my review is posted—Bunion Booties are available online only for US and Canadian residents at a cost of US$39.95 each, plus taxes and shipping/handling (discount offer applies on purchases of more than one Bunion Bootie). For more information or to place an order visit www.bunionbootie.com

 Product Details:

• Suitable for mild to moderate deformity
• Not recommended for those with diabetes or poor circulation
• Material made of woven nylon and polyurethane
• Ultrathin, flexible, breathable
• Provides a barrier to friction in shoes
• Suitable for all-day wear
• Heal strap ensures a no-slip fit
• Customized sizing available
• Hand-wash only
• Made in Japan

THE PERFECT FLIP FLOPS WITH ARCH SUPPORT

OKABASHI SURF

I have finally found what I believe are the perfect flip flops - OKABASHI!  Don't let the low price fool you, the quality is exceptional. They are solid and sturdy with true arch support, and feet don't slip around in them. One might find them surprisingly heavy for flip flops, but as a result they provide much better protection from pounding on the pavement than the classic flimsy flip flops. 

If you have flat feet or bunions and love flip flops, I highly recommend Okabashi.  My personal choice was the Men's Surf Flip Flops in brown.

                      OKABASHI CLASSIC

Product Details:

• Available in other styles and many colours
• Massaging Insole, Ergonomic Foot-bed, Superior Arch Support
• Signature Microplast Material: contains Anti-Microbial Agent, Anti-Slip, Anti-Odor, Vegan-Friendly, Latex-Free
• Durable, Waterproof, Dishwasher Safe
• 100% Recyclable
• Guaranteed for 2 years
• Made in the USA

SANDALS - STYLES THAT CAMOUFLAGE BUNIONS

It can be a challenge to find sandals that hide bunions and are also sexy, stylish and comfortable - but they are out there and the key to finding them is to focus your attention on what is appropriate for your feet and looks good on you, not someone else. Explore brands that design footwear for comfort and offer a selection of widths, such as Naturalizer, Naya, Aerosoles, and Ros Hommerson. You will be pleased to discover that there is more available for comfort than just "granny chic". Below are examples of current styles that will camouflage bunions - the focus being on the design of the forefoot area.

TIP

For women that will not give up thin strappy sandals and don't mind exposing their bunions in all their glory - when bunions are red, shiny and inflamed, apply a little bit of concealer and translucent powder on them and they will be less of an eyesore. 

Click here to review tips in the SHOE INTERVENTION FOR SANDAL SEASON post.

 

UPDATE - THE YogaToes® EXPERIMENT, DAY 36

After 36 days of using YogaToes all I can say is that they have served me well as toe separators for applying nail polish – but for this purpose I would have opted for something much less costly. 

The majority of the product claims I believe are exaggerated and misleading, offering false hope when it comes to correcting or realigning foot structure, straightening hammertoes or crossed toes, improving corns, treating bunions, improving posture, etc. For example: YogaToes are too flimsy and much too shallow to assist in straightening hammertoes, because your toes curl over the edge and there is no counter pressure to assist in any stretching, uncurling or straightening. If your goal is to straighten the big toe and take pressure of the bunion, you are better off trying a proper bunion splint because it is designed specifically for this purpose, also will also cost you much less. As for improving agility, balance and posture – to achieve these goals you actually have to do the appropriate physical exercises for your whole body, including your feet. To assist in stretching and strengthening your feet, you can use foot rollers, tennis balls and other gadgets that don’t cost much. As for corns, I don’t see how on earth YogaToes can improve corns – that claim makes me laugh.

My conclusion - YogaToes can provide some relief with a great counter stretch for toes that have been squished together in narrow or pointy ill-fitting shoes, and of course are useful in the application of nailpolish. Just out of curiosity, I will ask my Podiatrist what he thinks of YogaToes when I see him next, and will post a professional opinion - just in case I'm missing something and there happens to be some other obscure yet substantial benefit in using YogaToes.

SHOE INTERVENTION FOR SANDAL SEASON

It's sandal season and time for a shoe intervention for the good health of your feet.  Many women seem to think that the style of sandal as seen in the image to the left will bring relief and freedom for bunions and hammertoes, when in fact this style of sandal will only exacerbate these conditions and contribute to further foot problems.

As discussed in a previous shoe intervention post, much like flip-flops, these thin soled sandals without arch support or protection from pounding on the pavement contribute to quick callus build up, cause the feet to pronate (roll inward), and aggravate existing foot, ankle, knee, hip and back problems. In addition to all of that, they don't allow you to walk with a normal gait - toes scrunch up, gripping for support as there is nothing to stabilize the foot upon movement. Oh yes, and then there is the extreme foot fatigue that comes with walking in this type of sandal for extended periods. 

These photos make you wonder about

the intelligence of the individuals
wearing these sandals and what

happened to their self-respect.

Below is an example of one of the
ways you can develop claw toes or

hammertoes.

Now the aesthetics - if the above information doesn't deter you from wearing this style of sandal, how about the extreme grotesqueness of how bunions and toe deformities are displayed in them. These sandals are in fashion, but they are not a smart  or attractive choice. The same applies to the high heel version, including all of the points above.



SANDAL TIPS

• Look for sandals that offer some arch support and cushioning in the footbed 
• Avoid strappy sandals that cut across the bunions, put pressure on them, or allow them to poke out between straps
• A strap over the instep will hold the foot back against the heel and prevent it from slipping forward, and will also prevent the heel from slipping out (note, flimsy straps on ill fitting sandals won't do the job)
• The shape of the sandal should be as close to the shape of your foot as possible
• Sandals for extensive walking should have arch support and shock absorbing soles
• Avoid extreme heel heights - but if you won't, then at least avoid walking in them for extended periods, or consider platforms or wedge heels as they take some pressure off the balls of the feet 

If you haven't already, check out this post: Celebrity Feet, A Shocking Eye-Opener.

Coming in the next post, tips on how to camouflage bunions with the right style of sandal and maintain some dignity . 

A FISH PEDICURE - CREEPY OR SCINTILLATING?

The Garra Rufa fish, also referred to as the Doctor Fish, is a toothless member of the Carp family. The fish were first used in Turkey in the early 1800's as a treatment for skin conditions such as psoriasis - quickly becoming a popular therapeutic skin treatment throughout the Middle East and Europe. The fish sucking away dead skin where damaged or dead skin is shed proved to be beneficial in the healing of skin problems - because the fish produce enzymes which slow down the development of skin cells where problems occur.

These days Garra Rufa fish are part of a popular spa treatment in Europe, Asia, parts of the United States and Canada, used for manicures and pedicures. This is  considered to be a natural organic form of pedicure that improves circulation, leaves feet feeling rejuvenated and  provides general relaxation. Your hands and feet are immersed in water and are exfoliated by the fish sucking away dead skin. Some spas provide facilities for the immersion of your whole body - imagine that. 

The fish are starved before going into the foot

bath so that they are ravenous and do a good

job eating the dead skin, fungus and other crap

from your feet.

There is no way to sterilize fish since you can't boil the little suckers. So it is no surprise that the Garra Rufa fish pedicure is banned in many US states and Canadian provinces due to public health and sanitation concerns - one of them being, the the use of the same fish to clean the hands and feet of multiple clients and spreading infection. 

I personally find this creepy. How about you - would you try a fish pedicure?

TIPS FOR TIRED ACHY FEET

Strenuous walking, dancing, running or standing for long periods of time will obviously cause tired and achy feet, as will poor fitting shoes, high heels, tight socks, and reduced blood circulation. People with fallen arches or flat feet will have greater foot fatigue than those with normal feet due to pronation. Also, as one ages the feet naturally expand and flatten and the soles of the feet begin to thin - many suffer because they simply don’t recognize the need for a larger shoe size, or support and extra cushioning.

SIMPLE EFFECTIVE TIPS TO SOOTHE YOUR SOLES

• If you have fallen arches or flat feet, you need arch supports, insoles or orthotics. It is a good idea to consult a Podiatrist if you have flat feet or chronic pain. 

• If you don’t need orthotics but have thin sensitive soles, use gel insoles for comfort and shock absorption. 

• Try to cut down your high heel wearing time. Take a second pair of comfortable shoes along with you, so you can give your feet a break wherever you might be. The ballet style flats that are in style these days are not a good substitute as they provide no support and are generally bad for your feet.

• Avoid sitting with your legs crossed, or sitting on your feet or lower legs as this restricts circulation and causes feet to swell. At the end of the day spend half an hour relaxing with your feet raised up.

• Exercising and stretching will help lengthen tight cramped muscles and improve circulation. For example, rolling your feet across a firm ball such as a tennis ball or golf ball will activate acupressure points on the bottoms of your feet increasing circulation, oxygen flow and flexibility, resulting in decreased foot fatigue. You can also try a foot acupressure roller.

• Foot baths can do wonders to treat your feet as well as help you relax after a long day. Below are a few easy foot soak recipes to try.

Salt Bath for Sore Swollen Feet

Ingredients

• Water, enough to cover your feet and reach your ankles
• 1/2 cup of sea salt or Epsom salt

Preparation

• Boil water and let it cool down to a temperature you feel comfortable with.
• Add salt into it, let it dissolve and soak feet.

Peppermint Foot Soak to Rejuvenate Feet

Ingredients

• Water, enough to cover your feet and reach your ankles
• 3 drops ofpeppermint essential oil
• 1 drop of eucalyptus essential oil and 1 drop of lemon essential oil

Preparation

• Boil water and let it cool down to a temperature you feel comfortable with.
• Add the oils and soak feet.

Lavender Herbal Foot Bath to Relax Feet

 Ingredients

• Water, enough to cover your feet and reach your ankles
• 2 drops of lavender essential oil
• 1/4 cup of sea salt or Epsom salt

Preparation

• Boil water and let it cool down to a temperature you feel comfortable with.
• Add lavender oil and salt and soak your feet.

100% Pure & Natural Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil - Beginners Best of the Best, Set of 14

BUNION BREAKING NEWS!

JUST ANOTHER CASE OF PERFORMANCE COSTUME SPECTACLE TURNED FASHION CRAZE - IN THIS CASE BY MEN!

During an interview in this clip, university student Pascual Escobedo says, "for him the boots were a must to score with the opposite sex, and that girls wouldn't dance with you if you didn't have the pointy boots". This is very odd - I just don't see how one could partner dance with a guy wearing these things as they take up so much floor space; but to begin with, what woman would actually be drawn to a guy sporting these ridiculous boots on the dance floor, or anywhere in public for that matter - surprisingly they are out there and these boots are considered to be chick magnets.

SHOE INTERVENTION

All it takes is for a celebrity to be seen wearing something stupid to turn whatever it is into a fashion trend; and since many women are prone to the “monkey see, monkey do” method in keeping up with fashion trends, they often make choices that have little to do with what actually looks good on them or makes any sense at all. Hence, the shoe intervention posts must begin.

Let’s start with UGG boots – UGG truly being short for ugly. All that seems to matter is that Kate Moss, Oprah Winfrey, Paris Hilton, and Pamela Anderson among other celebrities, have been seen wearing them. One could care less the manufacturer advises that they not be worn in wet or muddy conditions and are impractical for snowy weather. Young and old trudge around in them even when sopping wet, with heels caved into the footbed, in –30 or +30 degree weather. It amazes me when I see anyone wearing them in public. They look like house slippers with shafts, and look ridiculous with any outfit, as would house slippers. If all this isn’t enough to convince you UGG boots are useless, how about the fact that they are flat, have no support inside at all, and will only contribute to foot problems, especially if you have flat feet. 

UGGs are a no-win situation - aesthetically unappealing, impractical, and bad for your feet. 

Next - Flip-flops, not everyday footwear, but once summer arrives many seem to think they are. They belong on the beach, at the pool, in the locker room or gym shower. They are not meant to be walked in for extended periods of time. Pounding on the pavement with thin soled flip-flops quickly hardens the skin on the feet, causing calluses and heel fissures (cracked dried out skin). They offer no protection from rocks, sharp objects, or people stepping on your feet. Without arch support they aggravate the effects of any existing strain on the legs and feet from too much weight or weak muscle tone. The foot can end up pronating (rolling inward) and can cause pain in the heels, arches, ball of the foot, and toes (another bad choice for flat feet). Believe it or not, flip-flops are the biggest cause of sprained ankles during summer months. Most people shuffle when they walk in flip-flops due to the toe scrunching to keep them on. Not only is the shuffle unattractive, it is bad for you; not walking with a normal gait can lead to problems in the hip or lower back. For those with bunions, flip-flops are the absolute worst thing you could wear, and will only make them worse - end of rant.

Orthaheel Sandals - a good choice!

With all this said, I am still well aware that flip-flops are a summer staple and most likely never to be forsaken. So I suggest replacing the classic flimsy flip-flops with ones that have heavy-duty soles and arch support, and they will serve you much better. 

For the good of your feet, more shoe interventions to come!

UPDATE - THE YogaToes® EXPERIMENT, DAY 7

During the past 7 days I have worn the YogaToes® every night for at least and hour or more. Unfortunately as of yet I have nothing much to report, except that they make excellent toe separators for applying nail polish, and that they do provide a good stretch if you have been on your feet all day in constrictive shoes, or have been engaged in sport activities, including dancing. 

As for the claims about correcting and realigning foot structure and improving foot conditions like hammertoes and bunions, or anything else on the long list, it is too soon to tell. I will continue using them and keep you posted. To be honest with you, so far I can only see YogaToes® as being a useful tool in prevention, best serving those that don't already have significant foot problems or deformity. However, this doesn't mean that you won't get relief with YogaToes®, it just means that  you will not see any dramatic changes in the appearance of your feet. This is just my opinion. If any readers out there would like to share their experience with YogaToes®, we'd love to hear from you.

Keep in mind that any potential benefits that might be achieved through the use of corrective devices of any type are negated by continuing to wear damaging footwear - if you do, you are facing a never-ending battle.

THE YogaToes® EXPERIMENT - DAY 1

YogaToes®

My YogaToes® arrived in the mail today. As seen in the accompanying image, they are soft flexible gel forms into which you insert your toes, meant to provide many benefits for your toes and feet - such as improving and preventing "common foot problems like: hammertoes, bunions, plantar fasciitis, crossed toes, poor circulation, corns...", and the list goes on! According to the YogaPro website, this is achieved with YogaToes® "by spreading, stretching and exercising toes". There are numerous reviews for this product on-line, and for the most part they are excellent, however, I am still sceptical - this all sounds too good to be true. I will try them out and provide a final review after investigating some of the following product claims gathered directly from the YogaPro website:

• YogaToes® guarantee a simple one step natural program for common foot problems like hammertoes and to relieve foot pain caused by tight shoes and high heels, being on your feet all day as well as participating in sport activities.
• YogaToes® help improve and prevent common foot problems like: hammertoes, bunions, plantar fasciitis, crossed toes, poor circulation, corns...
• YogaToes®s help to correct and realign foot structure, strengthen and stretch muscles, help improve circulation and appearance, balance the entire body and stimulate, improve posture.
• YogaToes® help train toes for increased athletic performance.
• YogaToes® help improve overall agility and balance.
• YogaToes® help realign and optimize foot posture.
• YogaToes® help minimize and treat foot pain.
• YogaToes® help relieve stress and tension.
• YogaToes® help re-energize feet.
• YogaToes® help train and strengthen feet. 

Click here, then click the
YogaToes Official Site link

If you are anxious to give them a try and should decide to go ahead and order YogaToes® before my review is posted, follow the sizing chart carefully and keep in mind that YogaToes® are not to be worn while walking. There are other colours available, and also a line called YogaToes Sport - exactly the same product, but in bold solid colours suited for men. Also good to know - they are made in the USA, are hypo-allergenic, BPA and latex free, and there is a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee and a Lifetime Replacement Warranty. Beware of knock-offs!

If you have a serious foot condition or other health problems, please consult with your doctor before trying YogaToes®.

I'm wearing them for the first time while writing this post and I must say, my feet like them so far. So let's see how it goes. Check in for updates!

PAIN RELIEF WITH BUNION SPLINTS

FootSmart
Bunion Regulator Night Splint

A bunion splint is not a cure for bunions. It is an aid in the treatment of bunions, used to stretch the tendons typically shortened by their onset, and also as a great source of pain relief. It works by pulling the big toe out while putting pressure on the bunion inward, with the goal of getting the big toe into proper alignment and relieving pain. The pressure is adjusted little by little over time by tightening the blue & white straps as seen in the accompanying image. This should be a gradual and gentle process without any pain. 

These types of splints are meant to be worn at night and sleeping in them is recommended, but don't make the mistake of strapping them on too tight and full force right from the start - as this is the reason why many find them intolerable to sleep in and quickly give up on them. They do take a little getting used to, and in my opinion the pain relief is worth the effort, and any potential correction that might be achieved is a bonus. (Caution - never attempt standing or walking in bunion splints - you can easily stumble and fall, as well as damage the splints.)

If you are unsure whether bunion splints are for you, it is best to consult with a Podiatrist.

WHAT'S ON THE RUNWAY SHOULD STAY ON THE RUNWAY

It's amazing, even though so obviously much of the clothing, accessories and footwear we see in fashion shows is created for theatrical purposes, many women still want to wear what they see on the runway - no matter how ridiculous looking, impractical, or hazardous. Sad but true, n'est-ce pas?

The title of this clip should be, SHOES NOT MADE FOR WALKING!

DON'T BLAME IT ON YOUR MOM - THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A BUNION GENE

It drives me crazy when I hear women say, "I can't help it, it's not my fault, I got them from my mom", as though the 5" heels that contort the foot into an abnormal shape have had nothing to do with it. I repeat, you can only genetically inherit a foot structure, not bunions! Let’s face it, the biggest cause of bunions is improper footwear, with or without an underlying condition that makes you prone to developing them.

In my case, with both bunions and bunionettes, my feet have taken on the shape of traditional diamond shaped kites, no joke. How did this happen - wearing pointe shoes for ballet as a child, pointy-toed cowboy boots as a teen, forefoot squishing high-heels as an adult, and even shoes that weren’t exactly my size but that I just had to have.

Eventually, as some of us come to our senses the quest begins for proper fitting, comfortable footwear. This can be easily achieved until you factor in the must haves of fashion and sex appeal – I’ll continue on this subject in another post. 

I can't stress enough how important it is to have your feet examined by a Podiatrist for the proper diagnosis of bunions and other foot conditions. There may be more going on with your feet than you are aware of. In the mean time, you can begin to prevent your bunions from getting worse by immediately addressing your footwear.

Consider the following:

• Avoid strappy sandals that cut across the bunion, put pressure on it, or allow it to poke out between straps
• A strap over the instep will hold the foot back against the heel and prevent it from sliding forward, and will also keep the heel from slipping out  
• Keep pressure off the balls of the feet and toes, stick to lower heels
• Avoid footwear that is completely flat (meaning with no heel) and lacks support (both especially bad for flat feet)
• Make sure there is 1/2" between the longest toe and the end of the shoe, and that there is sufficient width for the toes to spread for balance
• Tops of toes should never touch the inside top of the shoe
• Shoes and sandals should have some cushioning in the footbed
• The shape and width of your shoes should be as close as possible to the shape of your feet
• If you are going to use orthopaedic insoles, take them with you when you go shopping and make sure the shoes are roomy enough to accommodate both the insoles and your feet

A BUNION IS NOT JUST AN UNAPPEALING BUMP ON THE SIDE OF THE FOOT - THERE IS MORE TO IT THAN MEETS THE EYE

WHAT IS A BUNION

A bunion (hallux valgus) is an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe (the metatarsophalangeal joint). It is the hard bump you feel when you touch the side of your big toe joint - the head of the bone behind the big toe (the first metatarsal bone) that has protruded outward. The bump is partly the result of a fluid filled sac in the connective tissue (inflammed bursal sac) and/or a bony anomaly where the first metatarsal bone and big toe (hallux) meet (the mesophalangeal joint).

A bunionette, also referred to as a tailor’s bunion, develops on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe (the 5th metatarsal phalangeal joint). The bump is the head of the bone behind the little toe (the fifth metatarsal bone) that has protruded outward, while the little toe has shifted inward.

WHAT CAUSES A BUNION

Both bunions and bunionettes are most commonly caused by abnormal biomechanics of the feet, footwear that squeezes the forefoot, and high-heeled shoes that force the weight of the body down onto the ball of the foot and toes. Other causes include but are not limited to, injury, arthritis, excessive stress on the feet due to body weight, various occupations and sports.

During a recent visit to a Podiatrist, I asked if bunions are in fact hereditary. He explained - bunions are not genetically inherited, but that foot structures are, and that certain foot structures are more susceptible to forming bunions; for example, the structure of flat feet will often lead to the development of bunions.

IT DOESN'T HURT TO SEE A PODIATRIST

If you are in denial about the bumps on your feet, waiting until the pain becomes unbearable or for deformity to set in before doing anything about it, then take this into consideration - if left untreated, bones will continue to shift out of alignment and the tendons around the big toe will allow it to bend inward, and the bump on the joint will grow bigger. Not only that, the big toe can eventually progress to sit over or under the second toe, leading to more problems.

THE FIRST GALLERY PIC IS POSTED!

As a thank you to the sender, for being the first to share and submit a photo to the gallery, I will be mailing this lovely fridge magnet.

I'll get around to posting a photo of my flippers, as soon as I paint my toenails :)  Come on ladies, let's see what you've got - so we can all ooh and ahhh!

CELEBRITY FEET, A SHOCKING EYE-OPENER

"From Beautiful To Hideous, Top 45 Most Sensational Celebrity Feet",
from  TheFABlife


[Photos: Getty Images and Splash News Online]

I'LL SHOW YOU MINE IF YOU SHOW ME YOURS

The first comment I received on this blog was a request to see a feature post about famous people with bunions, which I will do - in the mean time, this comment inspired the creation of a whole new page on the site, the BUNION GALLERY. 

This gallery will host photos of our bunions, both hideous and beautified. This is not about “misery loving company”, but about empathy and inspiration - sharing what we have to deal with, and how we do the best with what we’ve got. You can e-mail your pics to buniongirls@gmail.com. No faces or names, just photos of your feet, bare or adorned. 

AND most certainly, we’ll take a close look at celebrity feet, could be empowering - as we see, they can confidently strut their exposed bedazzled bunions, blisters, corns, calluses and crooked toes down the red carpet with no problem.

BUNIONS AREN'T PRETTY, BUT THIS IS NOT A GOOD REASON FOR SURGERY

As it turns out my GP sent me to an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Toronto Western Hospital whose primary area of interest and expertise is in knee and hip surgery. When I asked him if he’d done much bunion surgery, he said, “I’ve done a few”. This appointment was a total waste of time. My GP can be a total bonehead sometimes. I will take this as a sign that my bunions are meant to stay, for now. An Orthopaedic Surgeon can help you decide if bunion surgery is the best option, but get a good referral, unlike mine.

My take on the matter - there is a very lengthy rehabilitation and too many potential complications in having bunion surgery simply for cosmetic reasons. The width of the forefoot will only decrease by about 1/8 of an inch – that being said, if you want to have bunion surgery just to fit into slim shoes and strappy sandals, you might end up very disappointed. For those who have significant chronic pain and are unable to correct the problem with adaptive footwear and non-invasive therapies, surgery is a treatment option.

SHOULD THEY STAY OR SHOULD THEY GO

Contemplating bunion surgery? Although this is a blog that is meant to help you learn to get along with your flippers, just the way they are - I’m going to start this blog with a visit to an Orthopaedic Surgeon on Friday, April 8th.  Let’s see what the Surgeon believes necessitates extreme measures. This might help to rule out surgery for some of you.