[Guest]

I appear to have bunions-- there is a definite round, slightly red, protrusion at the base of the big toes. However, the toe shows no signs of pronation. Also, the bump is not painful even when I press my finger against it.

I work from home and live in Florida so mostly I go barefoot. When I go out I often wear flat sandals. When wearing shoes, I most often wear flats. On the few occasions I wear heels, they are 1 1/2 inches tops. I have not worn high heels for at least 15 years.

My shoe size is 11. (I am 5'10" tall.)My age is 50 something. The front of my foot is wide, but my heel is narrow. I buy shoes with a wide toe box or I sometimes buy C width. Sometimes I buy men's shoes (sport shoes)since they are made wider. I don't buy narrow pointed shoes--I couldn't if I wanted to, they hurt as soon as I put them on.

I don't jog. I do only the normal amount of walking.

I have high arches. Is that a contributing factor? I don't seem to have any of the other factors listed as risk factors.

Two years ago I started ballroom dancing. I dance anyone wear from one to three times a week. I wear shoes especially designed for ballroom dancing with 1 1/2 inch cuban heels. That is the only chnage pre and post bunion Could ballroom dancing have cause the bunions?

What, if anything, should I do to prevent this from getting worse?

[Guest]

High arches can cause bunions but it also can be just because of the shape of your bones and foot. Dancing may have aggravated the bunions but they did not cause the problem. You may want to try orthotics to slow the progression of the bunion. However, there is a good chance they will continue to get worse. You should see a podiatrist to be properly diagnosed and have your treatment options explained to you. If you do need surgery to correct a bunion, it does not have to be done immediately. many people wait months to years and some decide to live with the bunion if it is not causing pain like your case.
[quote] I appear to have bunions-- there is a definite round, slightly red, protrusion at the base of the big toes. However, the toe shows no signs of pronation... [/quote]