Avoiding Bunion Formation

Did you know that there are ways to prevent a bunion?

A bunion is a common foot deformity that most often affects the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, which is found on the outer side of the foot at the base of the big toe. Of course, a bunion can also affect the joints of the smaller toes (referred to as bunionettes or tailor’s bunions). While our team of Danbury, New Milford, and Plainville, CT, podiatrists, Dr. Joseph Treadwell, Dr. Christian Davis and Dr. Rihamary Jimenez can certainly help you manage your symptoms, wouldn’t it be better to prevent a bunion in the first place? Here are some ways to reduce your risk,

Say Goodbye to High Heels

If you are someone who loves their high heels then reading this may be a bit of a downer; however, high heels and shoes with pointed toes can cramp up toes and put too much pressure on the MTP joint. Over time, these shoes can do a lot of harm to your feet, causing bunions and hammertoes. While you don’t have to commit yourself to only wear flats, you will want to wear shoes with heels no taller than 2 inches.

Stretch and Strengthen Your Feet

Did you know that there are exercises you can do each and every day to help strengthen the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your feet? Just like you lift weights to improve the strength of your arms, chest, back and legs, you also want to keep your feet and ankles strong. These exercises could prevent or, at the very least, slow the progression of a bunion.

Wear Properly Fitted Shoes

Everything from the toe box to the heel of your shoes should provide proper cushioning and support. The shoes should also fit your feet properly. If you ever purchased shoes with the hopes of breaking them in, bad habits such as this could leave you dealing with a bunion in the future. Always get properly fitted for shoes and try on shoes in the late afternoon or early evening, as feet swell throughout the day.

Examine Your Feet

If bunions run in your family it may be a good idea to keep an eye on your feet, examining them thoroughly about once a month to look for any changes to the overall structure or shape. After all, a bunion develops gradually; therefore, you may not notice any symptoms at first, but you may notice that the big toe’s joint has started to stick out more or that your shoes don’t fit like they used to. By catching a bunion early, you can also turn to our Danbury, CT, podiatrist for treatment and simple solutions to prevent it from getting worse.

Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut is made up of premier podiatrists who provide comprehensive care to patients in Danbury, Plainville, and New Milford, CT and serving the New Britain, Bristol, Southington, Farmington, New Fairfield, and Ridgefield, CT, areas. Whether you are dealing with bunion pain, arthritis, or diabetes, our team can help you manage your symptoms. Call us: Danbury office – (203) 748-2220; New Milford office – (860) 355-3139 or our Plainville office – (860) 747-2200.