Heel Height and Tight Shoes Can Cause Bunions

Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee,

I started wearing 3" high heels to work because everyone else in the office wears them. The other day, I noticed a little bump on the side of my foot near the big toe. It doesn't hurt yet. If I stop wearing heels, will my bunion go away?

Signed,

Bummed about bunion

Dear bummed about bunion,

You are lucky to notice the bunion before it gets any worse. Changing the type of shoes that you wear to work may help the bunion go away. People with bunions that will not go away and are painful will need to seek the advice of a doctor for treatment options.

To avoid bunions, it is best to wear shoes that fit properly, are wide in the toe box area, and a heel height that is 2 inches or less.