Bunions affect about one-third of adults.
If you've ever suffered from bunions, you'll know just how painful they can become. The only way to get rid of them completely is with surgery.
If you've had bunions in the past, or are worried about getting bunions, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Read on as we take a look at some tips for how to prevent bunions.
What Are Bunions?
Bunions are bony lumps that form on the side of your foot, next to your big toe. They may occur on one or both feet.
You will usually notice your big toe pointing toward your other toes, and a lump protruding from the side of your foot. This lump will be covered in hardened skin that may also be red or swollen.
What Causes Bunions?
The exact cause of bunions is still unknown.
Conditions that cause swelling in joints may be a factor. These can include conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Bunions may also be caused by genetic factors; there is a lot of evidence that bunions tend to run in families. If you have relatives with bunions, you are more likely to get bunions yourself.
They may also be caused by injuries or damage to the feet.
Prevention Techniques
Whilst the causes of bunions are unclear, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting them. These steps are not guaranteed to prevent you from getting bunions, but they can make their occurrence less likely.
Wearing Comfortable Shoes
Any additional pressure on your feet can increase your risk of painful bunions.
Try to wear comfortable shoes that don't put additional stress or strain on any part of your feet. The most important area is around your toes; make sure that your shoes are not too short and that there is plenty of room for your toes to wriggle around.
Avoiding Narrow Shoes
Shoes that are too narrow can squash your toes together, which can increase your risk of developing painful bunions.
Look for shoes that widen towards your toes and allow for more breathing space. Pay particular attention to how tight your shoes feel around the base of your toe where bunions appear.
Ditching the Heels
High heels push your entire body weight down towards your toes.
This increases the pressure on your toes inside your shoes. The more pressure your toes are under, the more likely you are to end up with sore bunions. Try to avoid high heels, and if you do need to wear them, make sure it's for as short of a period as possible.
Buying Shoes Later in the Day
Did you know that your feet get a little bigger the longer the day goes on?
As you spend your day on your feet, they tend to swell. It means that shoes that may fit perfectly in the morning can feel a little tight by the end of the day.
Try buying your shoes later in the day when your feet are at their biggest. You will then be certain they'll always feel comfortable no matter what time of day it is. It also means that you won't risk putting additional pressure on your feet, as this can lead to sore bunions.
Taking Your Shoes off at Home
Of course, you need to wear shoes when you leave the house, but many of us leave them on when at home too.
The more time we can give our feet to relax unencumbered by our shoes, the less likely we are to suffer from the pain of bunions. You could even try slipping your shoes off under your desk when you're at work.
Don't just ditch the shoes; try taking off socks or tights when you're at home to allow your toes to have room to stretch out. You could even consider doing some foot exercises to keep your feet nice and healthy.
Considering Orthotics
Orthotics are special insoles that you wear inside your shoes to help with a range of foot conditions.
Speak to your podiatrist, who may recommend you try orthotics to help your feet maintain a comfortable and supported position within your shoes. By using orthotics to correctly align your feet, it can take the pressure off your toes and reduce the risk of bunion problems.
Trying to Maintain a Healthy Weight
Pressure on your toes comes from one source: your bodyweight.
If you're not maintaining a healthy weight, the pressure on your feet will increase and can lead to complications, including bunions. By keeping your weight at a healthy level, your feet will have less pressure to cope with.
Not only that, but maintaining a healthy weight will reduce your risk of even more serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Are You Desperate to Know How to Prevent Bunions?
If you're dying to know how to prevent bunions, it probably means you're already suffering from them.
We're here to help. We offer a wide range of products that can help to alleviate symptoms of bunions. As well as gel bunion guards, we also offer the Bunion Sleeve: the original ultra-thin bunion corrector for people with mild to moderate bunions.
The Bunion Sleeve® is comfortable to wear under your footwear during any activity. It's the perfect solution for people who like to stay active. Visit our product page to order yours today.