How to Prevent Bunions

In recent years, bunions have become increasingly popular worldwide. Nearly one-third of adults experience them, particularly individuals over the age of 45. Maintaining foot health is essential to a properly functioning and balanced skeletal system. That’s why it’s important to take the time to learn how to prevent bunions, what causes them, and what the symptoms are.

Bunions: What Are They Exactly?

Have you noticed a bony bump at the base of your big toe? Has it started to limit your mobility? Has your big toe started to pull toward your other toes, forcing the base of your big toe to stick out? It’s likely that you have a bunion.

Although it isn’t a life-threatening condition, it can become increasingly uncomfortable over time. If left untreated, bunions can cause a number of other painful ailments that severely limit your ability to walk and do normal everyday tasks. If you haven’t experienced a bunion but someone in your immediate family has, it is very possible that bunions are in your future. Since your foot shape and structure is hereditary, bunions tend to run in the family. Although outside factors can contribute to this condition, it is particularly important to learn how to prevent them before they form.  

Bunion Prevention

Regularly stretch and strengthen your feet. Strength and flexibility is the key to success when it comes to your bodily health. Keeping your feet strong and limber will help to minimize the risk of bunions developing.
Remember to rest. We spend so much time on our feet, so it is vital to give our feet a break whenever possible.
Wear shoes that fit you properly. If your shoes are too loose or too tight, that can create tension or cause your feet to slide back and forth. This can put a lot of stress on the foot and contribute to bunions. When putting your foot in your shoe, you shouldn’t feel any pinching. Having to “break in” your shoes is a sign that they aren’t a good match. Adding arch support in your shoes (if there wasn’t any built it) is helpful for your feet.
Avoid wearing high heels. Although you may like the way they look, nothing puts more pressure on your toes than wearing heels. Wearing flats are much more supportive to your feet. If you aren’t ready to give up your high heels, keeping the height under two inches will minimize potential pain and pressure.
Be attentive to foot changes. If you notice pain or swelling, be sure to increase your self care. If that doesn’t help, make an appointment with a podiatrist or go to an urgent care.

Prevent Bunions: Know the Symptoms and Causes

Bunions can’t always be prevented. Unfortunately, there is a hereditary component to the condition. However, it is possible to keep the pain to a minimum by educating yourself. Knowing the symptoms, causes, and possible complications can help you to take care when bunions develop.

Symptoms:

• Swelling, redness, or soreness around your big toe joint
• The development of corns or calluses from your toes rubbing together
• Consistent pain or pain that comes and goes
• Limited mobility of your big toe
• A big bump on the outside of the base of your big toe

Causes:

• Inherited foot type
• Deformities that formed at birth
• Stress or injures

Potential Complications:

If you have bunions and don’t take proper care, it is possible to develop other foot conditions as well. These complications include:

Bursitis. When the small pads that cushion the bones near your joints become inflamed
Hammertoe. An abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe, causing pain and pressure
Metatarsalgia. Pain in the ball of your foot

Visit BASS Urgent Care Today

If you’re experiencing pain due to bunions, make an appointment through our website or visit BASS urgent care today.