The bunion is a joint foot deformity that results in the enlargement of the bone at the base of your big toe. Bunions run in families, so if your parents had them, you will very likely too. As well as affecting your big toe, bunions can also put pressure on the smaller toes and cause corns or calluses. Bunions are caused by an uneven distribution of weight across the joint, which changes how it moves. If you have bunions, you may experience pain, difficulty walking, and swelling. You can do several things to help relieve the symptoms, including wearing supportive shoes, using pads or cushions, and taking painkillers. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of bunions, you must seek treatment from a specialist in treating a bunion in Katy. Below are some tips on how to prevent bunions.

• Find Shoes That Fit Perfectly

Most people develop bunions due to wearing too tight of shoes or ones that don’t fit properly. It’s important to find shoes that fit you perfectly, both in terms of size and width. Shoes too loose can also lead to bunions, so make sure they’re a good fit. Also, avoid shoes that have an extraordinarily narrow or pointed toe box. Opt for shoes with a broader toe area to reduce pressure on the bunion joint.

If you’re into sports or enjoy any type of physical activity, it’s essential to wear shoes that are specifically designed for that purpose. Athletic shoes offer support and cushioning, which can help prevent bunions’ development.

• Don’t Wear High Heels

It might be tempting to wear high heels, but it’s best to avoid doing so if you want to prevent bunions. Wearing these types of footwear regularly will lead to bunions and cause other foot problems such as hammertoes and plantar fasciitis.

• Follow Your Gait

If you’ve already got bunions, you must take steps to prevent them from getting worse. First of all, it’s essential to pay attention to your gait, which is how you walk when you place your foot on the ground. If your weight is always on one side when walking, you risk irritating the bunion and starting a painful bunion journey.

• Rest Your Feet

One of the best ways to treat a bunion is through rest. You can achieve this by avoiding any activity that causes pain, such as wearing uncomfortable shoes or walking in bunion correctors. It may be challenging to do at first, but rest should reduce your discomfort and help you make a faster recovery from the injury.

• Exercise

While rest is vital for reducing pain and allowing the foot to heal, you should not completely avoid physical activity. This will only worsen your injury because you won’t get any exercise or keep your muscles in shape. If you want to prevent bunions from getting worse, it’s vital that you engage in gentle activities and stretching at least 2-3 times a week. Yoga is an excellent option because it helps stretch the feet and ankles.

To summarize, you need to seek treatment from a specialist if you have bunions. If not, you can prevent the condition by wearing well-fitting shoes, avoiding high heels, and following your gait. It also helps to rest your feet and exercise.