Tired of living with bunions? Dr. Zahid Ladha at Foot First Podiatry in New Albany, IN, is here to help you find relief.
How to Prevent or Stop the Progression of Bunions
Bunions can cause a great deal of pain and shame, but you can take steps to prevent them or keep them from getting worse. Dr. Ladha and the team at Foot First Podiatry in New Albany, IN share these steps below.
Your Shoes Are Key
A bunion begins to develop when the toe joint isn’t properly aligned, and this often happens when you wear shoes that crowd your toes. As such, one of the most important steps in preventing and treating a bunion is ensuring you wear the best shoes for your feet. Look for footwear that provides the following:
- Enough space that your foot can easily slide in
- A wide enough toe box that your toes are not pressed together
- Proper support for your arches
- Comfort
- Low or no heels, as high heels push the feet forward and cram the toes
- Proper arch support can be difficult to find. However, custom orthotics can provide what you need.
Exercise Your Feet
The joints in your feet are surrounded by muscles and other tissues. Like any other joint in the body, those tissues provide the support needed to function properly. Stretching and strengthening your feet regularly can help ensure your toe joints have proper support, your tissues aren’t tense, and your joints have the right range of motion.
Adjust Your Activities
People who work on their feet constantly or are otherwise highly active can be at a higher risk of dealing with a bunion. It might be necessary to modify your exercise habits, find ways to ensure better support while you work and make resting your feet a priority when possible.
Visit a Podiatrist
Sometimes, lifestyle adjustments aren’t enough to prevent a bunion, especially if you have issues with foot structure or if bunions run in the family. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t prevent them. Working with a foot specialist can help you get access to helpful orthotic devices, like toe splints, ensure you have the best shoes and orthotics, know the best exercises for your feet, and more.
You have the power to prevent bunions from interfering with your life. Call (812) 945-9221 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ladha at Foot First Podiatry in New Albany, IN for a customized prevention plan or treatment options.