Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Do high heels really cause bunions? Can toe spacers fix them? And when is bunion surgery actually necessary?

In this episode of Health Matters, Kristen Meinzer talks with Mayo Clinic podiatrist Dr. Martin Ellman about what causes bunions, who is most at risk and the best ways to keep your feet healthy. Learn how to choose supportive shoes, when to consider surgery and simple daily habits that can help prevent foot pain.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What bunions are and what causes them
• Whether high heels really cause bunions
• How to know if a bunion needs treatment
• Do toe spacers, splints and braces actually work?
• When bunion surgery is recommended
• Barefoot vs. supportive shoes
• Simple exercises to strengthen your feet
• Everyday foot care tips to help prevent pain

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Looking for more Health Matters episodes? Explore the full podcast library: mcpress.mayoclinic.org/podcasts/health-matters

00:00 Introduction 01:33 What are bunions?
02:34 Do high heels cause bunions?
04:19 Why women get bunions more often
05:06 How to tell if you have a bunion
06:57 Do all bunions need treatment?
10:03 Nonsurgical bunion treatments
11:22 Do toe spacers and bunion splints work?
13:03 When is bunion surgery needed?
13:38 What happens during bunion surgery?
16:09 Recovery after bunion surgery
18:30 Key takeaways on bunion treatment
19:40 Can you prevent bunions?
22:14 Barefoot vs. supportive shoes
24:17 Daily habits for healthy feet
26:29 Foot-strengthening exercises
29:00 Tips to prevent foot pain
30:29 Final takeaways
31:24 Outro