Bunions are a common foot problem and often a result of wearing tight or narrow shoes. They can also develop due to the shape of your foot, a foot deformity, or medical conditions like arthritis. Bunions form a bulging bump at the base of your big toe and may cause swelling, redness, and soreness around the joint. Most of the time, bunions Lenox Hill require no medical treatment. Rather, simple remedies can be used such as using shoe inserts and applying ice to relieve soreness and swelling. The following tips will help you prevent bunions from forming or stop them from worsening if you already have them.

Ensure your shoes are the right size and fit

Having shoes with a proper fit may seem like common sense, but that is important for bunion prevention. Ill-fitting shoes result in uneven pressure, which causes your toes to rub; this significantly contributes to bunion formation. When shopping for shoes, ensure they provide instant comfort once you step your foot inside. There should not be pinching or rubbing, and you don’t have to wear a pair of shoes for weeks or months to stretch them out. They should fit well from the start. Comfort should be your priority when shopping for shoes. Any shoes that feel tight are not the right size and fit.

You also want to ensure your shoes have enough room for your toes, so narrow or pointy shoes are not a wise option; look for styles that accommodate your instep. Consider shoes with a wide toe box so that your toes don’t rub against each other. If you already have a bunion, changing shoes can help prevent the foot problem from worsening.

Rest your feet

You use your feet a lot throughout the day, so they deserve equal rest. If you have been moving or standing for long hours, get off your feet to help release tension and pressure. You can also take off your shoes for a few minutes and put on sandals to give your feet breathing space. This advice still applies even if you are wearing bunion-prevention shoes.

Avoid wearing high heels every day

High-heeled shoes exert a lot of pressure on your toes, especially the big toe joint. Giving up heels in favor of supportive flats can help you prevent bunion formation. However, if you have to wear high-heeled shoes, consider interchanging them with flats a few days a week. If you wear heels, try to keep the height below two inches to minimize the pressure on your toes. Alternatively, you can go for other high-heeled shoes like wedges and block heels since they evenly distribute weight.

Do stretches and exercises to strengthen your feet

You can train your feet to become stronger and more flexible like other body parts. Exercises can help improve the quality of your feet and reduce muscle soreness and pain. Examples of activities to enhance your feet’s strength and flexibility include pick-ups, curls, stretches, and rolling. You can use your toes to pick items from the floor to a container or roll a tennis ball under your foot while sitting.

If you have a bunion that causes ongoing pain, visit your doctor at DeLoor Podiatry Associates for treatment.