Preventing Bunion Formation

Preventing Bunion Formation

You may not be aware of the fact that you can prevent bunions from forming. The biggest problem is that many people don’t try to take steps to prevent them until it’s too late. Here are some tips that can help you prevent bunions, if you already have bunions, you may want to talk to a podiatrist.

Dr. Alan J. Discont is a podiatrist at Family Foot and Ankle Care, PC. He provides treatment for bunions and all other foot and ankle issues for patients in and around the Chandler, AZ area.

Tips for Preventing Bunions

Bunions can be aggravating and as they develop, they can become more and more painful. Here’s how you can prevent them:

  • Wear comfortable shoes: This is probably the most important factor for bunion prevention. If your shoes put pressure on the base of your big toe, this will encourage a bunion to form. By eliminating pressure on this area of your foot, you considerably lower your risk of bunions. This is why it’s also important to wear shoes with a wide enough toe box. Shoes should never be so tight that they squeeze your toes together. They should be wide enough to let your toes lie in their natural position.
  • Avoid high heels: While high heels may be fashionable, any podiatrist will tell you they extremely bad for your feet and ankles. This is because they push your toes to the front of the shoe where they are pressed together causing excessive pressure. If you must wear them, do so in moderation.
  • Rest your feet when you can: It doesn’t matter whether you are at home or at the office, you should rest your feet every now and again. Slip off your shoes and let your feet breathe. Stretch your toes and ankles. If you’re at home, go barefoot or wear comfortable slippers.

If you live in or around Chandler, AZ and you would like to find out more about preventing or treating bunions, call Dr. Discont today at 480-732-0033.