3 Habits to Shed If You Have Bunions

A bunion isn't just a bump on the side of your foot that looks unsightly. It’s an uncomfortable and painful abnormality that requires treatment from a provider. And if you’re prone to getting bunions, there are certain habits you’ll need to stop to avoid making them worse.

At Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers, we offer bunion treatments as well as advice for preventing further issues. Payam Sarraf, DPM, Kate Kennedy, DPM, Katy Statler, DPM, Andrew Goodeill, DPM, Christopher Van Damme, DPM, Amelia Harris, DPM, and Sina Safar, DPM want to keep your feet as healthy as possible.

What causes bunions

Bunions are more likely to form if you have weak connective tissue, short muscle and foot tendons, or rheumatoid arthritis. However, there is some disagreement in the medical field over what truly causes them.

Most providers believe their development is associated with inherited traits and experiences, such as injuries or traumas to the foot. But the role behavior plays is still a mystery.

We can’t be certain if some habits cause bunions, but we do know that they often exacerbate the problem. That’s why if you’re already prone to bunions because they run in your family, you have experienced foot injuries, or you’ve gotten them in the past, you should avoid certain behaviors.

3 habits to eliminate if you’re dealing with bunions

Remember, taking care of your feet is an important part of your health, and you should start moving forward with your new habits as soon as possible.

1. Wearing tight-fitting, pointed, or high-heeled shoes

This is one of the most challenging habits for people with bunions to break. If you tend to wear high heels, shoes that are tight in the toes, pointed shoes, or ill-fitting shoes, you’re worsening your bunions and making them more painful.

We’re not saying you can never wear heels. Just consider saving them for a dinner date rather than a work day. Get yourself a good, sturdy pair of shoes for your daily life. Trust us, your feet will thank you!

2. Overexerting in sports or repetitive exercises

Specific exercises and activities such as running can worsen bunions. These activities require repetitive motions that cause friction between your shoe and bunion.

Instead of running, consider getting into water exercises, such as swimming. And, if you love playing sports, try cutting back for a bit until you can get the required treatment and recovery plan set up for your bunion.

3. Refusing to rest

People who spend all day on their feet are more likely to exacerbate bunion pain. These professions include teachers, nurses, police officers, and many more. If you have a job where you spend hours standing up, it may be time to consider a change.

Try discussing this with your manager and see if you can get some time each day to rest your feet. If you can’t sit down while you’re working, make sure to rest at home. And don’t forget to invest in a quality pair of shoes.