Preventing and Managing Bunions: What You Need To Know

Bunions are bony bumps that protrude and develop at your big toe's base joint. Bunions typically grow slowly and take time to develop; however, they ultimately cause pain and an inability to wear specific footwear. If you live/work in and around Pennsauken, and Turnersville, NJ, the podiatric professionals at Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists offer the following guidance for keeping your feet healthy and bunion-free.

Bunion Causes

While the exact causes of a bunion are not known completely, some pertinent elements or factors often contribute to the formation of a bunion.

• Genetics/Hereditary Aspects.
• Ill-fitting Footwear/Shoes.
• Foot Structure/Mechanics.
• Medical Conditions
• Foot Injuries & Trauma.
• Joint/Repetitive Stress & Overuse.

Preventing and Managing Bunions

In addition to ensuring  you select comfortable shoes – with a wide and roomy toe box [i.e., no pointy shoes or sky-high heels); you can help prevent the development of bunions by –

• Using Protective Shoe Padding/Cushions for Arch Support.
  Consider OTC orthotics or padded cushions that help redistribute pressure from the bunion area and add extra support. Non-medicated bunion splints/pads may provide further relief.
• Maintaining a Recommended Weight.
  Keeping your weight at the recommended guidelines will lessen your chance of developing new and aggravating existing bunions.
• Stretching/Exercising Toes.
  Exercises or stretches – (try picking up marbles with your toes) can help strengthen your foot and improve its flexibility.
• Avoiding High-Impact Sports.
  High-impact activities and engaging in these types of sports will create additional stress and may contribute to the development of bunions.
• Footwear Modifications.
  If you already have bunions, you will likely need to modify the type of footwear you buy at some point.

Note that in some cases, bunion surgery may be necessary to correct severe cases that do not respond to conservative measures. Bunion surgery may be considered –

• A head procedure that addresses the issues impacting the joint of the big toe.
• A base procedure that addresses the issues on the bone near/behind the big toe joint.

Contact a Leading Pennsauken, and Turnersville, NJ Podiatrist for Bunion Prevention & Treatment Strategies

If you have a family history or other foot problems, it is a smart idea to have routine checkups with a podiatrist to ensure you identify and address any potential issues as early as possible.

If you are experiencing bunion discomfort/pain, contact a staff member of Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists at (856) 488-5290 (Pennsauken), 856-875-8855 (Turnersville), or online. We look forward to helping you be able to move pain-free soon.