How to Prevent Bunions from Getting Worse?

Many people may find bunions frustrating and painful, but don’t worry; there are many ways to prevent bunions from getting worse and reduce their pain. Doesn’t matter if you are noticing the early signs of bunions or want to prevent future problems, you need to have enough information about the best ways to avoid getting bunions.

In this blog post, we will give you practical solutions to prevent bunions from getting worse. So, read on to learn more.

Do Bunions Get Worse Over Time?

Yes, if you leave bunions untreated, they will get worse. If you don’t pay attention to bunions over time and don’t take measures to treat them, they get bigger and more painful and make it hard for you to walk or wear shoes comfortably. Bunion’s progression happens gradually and over the years depending on different factors like genetics, footwear choices, and activity levels. The following factors make bunions worse:

• Walking or running
• Standing for too long
• Being overweight
• Wearing tight shoes

How to Avoid Bunions from Growing?

Preventing bunions in Arizona from getting worse is possible if you make specific changes in your lifestyle and take care of your feet. These changes can help you stop bunions:

Avoid Standing or Walking for Long

Prolonged standing or walking, especially in tight shoes, can worsen bunions. Standing or walking for too long results in joint swelling, pain, and deformity and worsens bunions over time. So, try not to wear tight shoes throughout the day or at least give your feet a break during the day.

Wear Supportive Shoes

If you care about the well-being of your feet, you need to choose comfortable and supportive shoes. Try to buy shoes with good cushioning, a strong arch, and a wide toe area. These features help protect your feet and avoid bunions from getting worse. High heels and narrow-toe shoes push the toes together and make bunions in Gilbert bigger and more painful. Therefore,  avoid wearing high heels, and don’t choose shoes with narrow-toe boxes. Proper shoes can distribute the pressure and prevent bunion growth.

Maintain Healthy Weight

Being overweight adds pressure on your feet, especially forefoot, and double down bunions as a result. So, you better maintain a healthy weight and follow a simple diet to reduce the pressure on your feet and avoid bunions in Scottsdale from getting larger. To maintain a healthy diet, you should:

• Add more protein like chicken, fish, and legumes to your diet.
• Avoid fast food.
• Eat fruit and vegetables.

Use Bunion Pads

The reason our doctors at Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers suggest using bunion pads is because they prevent the bunions from rubbing against your shoes. So, if you have bunions, consider using bunion pads. To use bunion pads, you should simply clean and dry your foot, align the pad over the bunion, and wear socks to keep it in place.

Best Exercises to Prevent Bunions

Another practical way to prevent bunions from getting worse is doing certain kinds of exercises. These simple exercises make your muscles strong and flexible and prevent bunions from worsening. The most practical exercises to prevent bunions in Phoenix include:

• Toe stretches: Pull your toes back and hold for 10 seconds to improve flexibility.
• Toe circles: Gently rotate your big toe in a circular motion. This rotation can increase mobility in the joint.
• Towel curls: Laying a towel flat on the floor and using your toes to scrunch it up is a good way to strengthen the muscles in your feet.

Best Shoes to Avoid Bunions

Wearing appropriate shoes plays an important role in preventing bunions in Mesa from getting worse. Try to buy shoes that have the following features:

• Your toes need enough room to move freely. Shoes that are comfortable like running shoes, loafers, and sneakers, can help prevent bunions from getting worse.
• High heels put more pressure on your toes by shifting your body weight forward. Choose shoes with heels less than 1 inch, like flats, low-heeled boots, or ballet shoes.

Note: If your shoes are too tight and put your toes into an unnatural position, they will exacerbate your bunions. So, be careful about the kind of shoes you choose.

How to Prevent Bunions from Getting Worse in Kids?

Genetics and wearing tight shoes can cause bunions in Chandler in kids as well. If you notice early signs of bunion in your kid, take the following steps to prevent it from worsening:

• Make sure your kid wears shoes that fit well and are not too tight.
• Don’t buy your kid narrow or pointy shoes.
• Try to have regular check-ups with a podiatrist to monitor foot development.
• If your child is overweight, encourage them to follow a healthy diet to lose weight.
• Encourage your kid to do certain exercises to increase their flexibility and muscle strength.

Prevent Bunions from Getting Worse in Arizona

If you’re suffering from bunions and live in Arizona, our expert podiatrists give you personalized advice and help you manage it by offering orthotics, physical therapy, and surgical options if needed. Come to one of our locations in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa & Phoenix, AZ, call us today at 615-857-5428, or make an online appointment to get the support you need with bunions.

Preventing Bunions from Getting Worse: Let’s Recap

Taking all these points into account, preventing bunions from getting worse requires specialized foot care and certain lifestyle changes. As we mentioned above, by choosing proper footwear, maintaining a healthy weight, consulting with an expert podiatrist, and doing regular foot exercises, you can alleviate the pressure on your feet and prevent bunions from getting worse.

FAQs

Do bunions go away naturally?

No, bunions do not go away naturally and they may even get worse if you don’t take proper care of your feet.

How to shrink bunions naturally?

Bunions cannot shrink, but you can manage the symptoms with foot exercises, proper footwear, and bunion pads.

How do I know if I’m getting a bunion?

Early signs of a bunion include a bump at the base of your big toe, swelling, and pain when wearing shoes. If you notice these symptoms, consult a podiatrist.