Tips on How to Prevent Bunions

A bunion is a medical condition where the big toe joint at the base of the big toe starts to grow outwards, creating a bump on the side of the foot. The condition affects about ten percent of people, mostly women. Bunions are believed to be caused by wearing tight shoes that force toes together over a long period. Bunions are embarrassing to have and can be stigmatizing in society, with many feeling like they need to wear wide shoes when it is not necessary. Bunions develop over time, with the big toe joint moving outwards with age causing pain for sufferers. There are ways to prevent bunions from occurring, and we look at some of them in this article. If you have been diagnosed with bunions, you should see a specialist in treating bunions in Bakersfield for early treatment.

1. Choose the Right Shoes

In most cases, bunions develop due to tight shoes that push the toes together for an extended period. This stops the big toe from moving naturally, and it begins to grow inwards towards the other toes driving against them, creating a bunion. Wearing the right shoes is the best way to prevent bunions from developing. This means wearing shoes with a wide toe box that lets your toes spread out. In addition, it also helps to wear closed shoes, so they do not rub against each other and instead touch their own corresponding feet when you walk.

2. Exercise

When you exercise, their muscles improve the flexibility of your joints and ligaments. Exercising correctly will help prevent the toes from being forced into a position they are not used to for long periods. In addition, proper exercise can increase blood flow to the feet, which means they heal faster if injured.

3. Stretch

In most cases, a bunion starts by wearing tight shoes that stop the toes from moving. To keep the toe joints flexible, it is important to stretch them regularly. Regular stretching can improve flexibility and blood flow, which can help prevent bunions from developing in the first place.

4. Rest Your Feet

As you exercise, your feet start to get tired and require rest. While exercising is good for the body, it can also cause strain on your feet if you are not given enough time to rest in between each workout session. By reducing the amount of time spent standing or walking, and giving your feet time to recover, you can prevent bunions from developing in the first place.

5. Monitor the Shape of Your Feet

Our feet tend to lose their natural arch and become flat as we get older. In some cases, this can develop bunions if the toe joints are constantly put under pressure for an extended time. Regularly monitoring your own feet can help you determine whether or not they have changed shape over time. If they have changed shape, it is essential to talk to your doctor about the best way forward.

In summary, bunions are a medical condition caused by the big toe joint moving outwards towards the other toes for an extended period. In many cases, you can prevent bunions by wearing shoes with wide-toe boxes and making sure not to wear closed-ended shoes. In addition, it is essential to monitor your feet to determine if they have changed shape over time. Exercise can help prevent bunions from developing in the first place, in addition to regular stretching and giving your feet time to recover.