Got Bunions? Tips to Prevent Them from Getting Worse

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Bunions, or a prominent bump on a toe's joint, occur for several reasons, including certain medical conditions, the foot's shape, or ill-fitting shoes. If you were recently diagnosed with bunions, caring for your feet properly now can help stop the bunions from getting worse, which could require surgery. Here are a few simple tips to help you manage your bunion pain and prevent the conditions from worsening.

Wear the Right Shoes

Trade in your heels, tight loafers, and any shoes with a pointed toe and invest in comfortable shoes that provide enough room for your toes to stretch. Here are a few tips to help you find shoes that won't irritate your bunions or make them worse:

  1. Have your feet professionally measured. Visit your local shoe store and have your feet's width and length measured. This will help you find shoes that are large enough to accommodate your bunions.
  2. Choose shoes with great arch support. Bunion patients often change their stride to ease the pain. Proper arch support can help correct the way you walk and avoid putting extra weight on your bunions.
  3. Shop for shoes in the evening. A day filled with walking and putting weight on your feet can cause them to swell. Trying on shoes when your feet are larger helps ensure they aren't too tight the next morning.

Consider shoes that are specifically made for people living with bunions, if you cannot find shoes in the store that are large enough.

Perform Foot Exercises

Strengthening the muscles in your feet can not only help prevent your bunions from getting larger, but they can also lessen any discomfort. For example, rolling the bottom of your feet over tennis balls gives you a great foot massage and can help strengthen your foot muscles. Stretching your feet with your fingers and by pointing your toes are two quick and simple ways to prevent your bunions from getting worse.

Take a Break from Standing and Walking

Finally, if you have a job where you're on your feet or walking for several hours of the day, your weight and gravity put a huge strain on your feet and your bunions. Take a break, sit down, and put your feet up throughout the day. This will allow your feet to relax, help lessen swelling, and avoid putting unnecessary strain on your bunions.

These are just a few things you can do to prevent your bunions from getting larger. Go to sites like https://www.familyfootcenter.net/ to find a podiatrist to help you treat your bunions.


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