How to Prevent Bunions and Evade Foot Pain

Bunions are a common condition that can ultimately become unsightly and painful. The best way to prevent them from forming, or stop their development, is by following a few simple steps. Today, Dr. Joel Segalman and Dr. Stephen Lazaroff at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC are sharing their top tips for bunion prevention. 

If you are worried that you may be dealing with bunions, read through these suggestions and try to make the recommended changes.

5 Tips to Prevent Bunions and Diminish Foot Pain

Choose comfortable shoes. Increased pressure causes the pain from bunions over the protruding portion of the bunion. Reducing stress on this area means that the bunion is not advancing, and it makes it feel much better. 

Consider awider toe box. Shoes with a wider toe box might not look like what you usually wear, but comfort really should matter more than fashion. The best shoes will have a wide toe box that easily accommodates your forefoot. Your shoes should not push your toes together, but instead, allow them to rest comfortably.

Stay away from high heels. Higher heels are bad for your feet. If you must wear them, do so in moderation. This type of shoe forces the toes to be pushed together in the front part of the shoe, causing pressure, and eventually, disfigurement. 

Make sure your shoes fit correctly. When shopping for shoes, walk around in them for a bit to make sure they feel good. A properly fitted shoe should feel comfortable as soon as you first put it on.

Cushion the bunion. When the bunions become irritated and painful, they become more noticeable. If it concerns you, put some cushion around it. Podiatrists often can help you find some simple braces or pads to protect your bunion.

Our Top 3 Tips Regarding Bunions

Orthotics are helpful. Patients often have foot mechanics that cause irregular pressure over the area of a bunion. These mechanics can sometimes be corrected with orthotics.

Take a shoe break. When around the house, slip off your shoes to rest your feet. If you have to wear high heels or tight shoes, be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the remainder of the day.

Shop for shoes at the end of the day. Your feet are typically slightly larger than in the morning, so this is the best time to shop for new shoes. If you shop earlier in the day, the shoes may be too snug.

When it comes to your feet, a few simple steps can make a big difference. If you think that a bunion may be forming on your foot, or you have any other foot problems, contact the offices of Dr. Joel Segalman and Dr. Stephen Lazaroff at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC to schedule an appointment. You can call our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown location at (203) 270-6724.