proper fitting shoe<\/a>, with a wide width. An orthopaedic shoe will have multiple widths to choose from, which can be available up to around 3E to 6E. To further accommodate a bunion, there are certain brands that will have a stretched bunion area.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf the foot\nstill requires extra space, or needs a stretch in a specific area, there are\nshoe stretchers that will stretch the entire width of the shoe and specific\nspots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When a shoe stretch does not provide enough room for the foot, a balloon patch or a sole split will provide the extra space. The balloon patch acts as a bunion pocket. To create this pocket, the original material is cut around the bunion and replaced with extra material. A sole split widens the sole to create more width in the shoe as well as a wider base. This split can be specific to a bunion, or to widen the entire shoe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bony Prominence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When there is a bony prominence on the bottom of the foot, this can be painful while walking and standing. An excavation is a modification to accommodate this bony prominence by removing part of the shoe. An excavation may be unnecessary with custom foot orthotics. When the prominence requires additional space that the orthotic cannot provide, the excavation may be used in combination with the orthotic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the\nprominence occurs on the top of the foot, alternative lacing techniques can be\nused. The most common lacing technique for this is to skip an eyelet where the\nprominence occurs. This opens the space for the prominence to prevent excessive\npressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the\nprominence occurs on the side of the foot, see the \u201cwide feet\/bunions\u201d section\nabove for options!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forefoot\/Ball of the Foot Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One of the ways to reduce forefoot pain is a rocker sole, which curves at the front of the shoe to take pressure off the ball of the foot. If the shoe is orthopaedic, the rocker sole may be built into the shoe already. If this is the case, the rocker sole can be increased. When you roll forward onto the ball of the foot at the end of a step, the rocker sole propels your forward to reduce the pressure on the foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another way to deal with forefoot pain is a metatarsal bar, which further reduces pressure at the ball of the foot. A piece of material is added under the ball of the foot to take pressure away from the painful area and transfer it just behind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n