Habits that Make Bunion Pain Worse
Bunions are deformations of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. They occur when the big toe points inward and one of the metatarsal bones of the foot turns outward.
Pain, numbness, and discomfort can often be worsened by the wrong footwear, certain everyday activities, and lack of treatment.
Because the misalignment of the bone can sometimes be influenced by external factors, we asked our specialists at Caring Podiatry to explain what habits you need to ditch to stop your bunions from getting worse.
Wearing tight, pointy shoes
Tight, pointy shoes can worsen bunions. When your big toe is frequently squeezed inward by a tight shoe, the bone at the base of your big toe protrudes outward, leading to bunion development.
High heels may also worsen your bunions. They force you to carry most of your body weight on the tip of your feet, pushing the toe toward the front of the shoe and scrunching it inward.
Wearing shoes without arch support
You may think that flip-flops and sandals with a flat bottom will relieve the stress on your toes, but you’d be wrong: Shoes without arch support actually do the opposite.
The best shoes for bunions are those that absorb any shocks and evenly distribute the pressure across your feet.
Participating in sports that involve repetitive movements
Sports that involve repetitive movements may worsen your bunion by causing friction between the bunion and the inside of your shoe.
Instead of going for a run, opt for an exercise that won’t put as much pressure on your feet. For example, water sports are joint- and toe-friendly activities.
Leaving arthritis untreated
Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can make your bunions more painful. Although arthritis isn’t curable, several therapies are available to manage the pain and inflammation associated with the condition.
Some people may also find relief by adopting diets that reduce inflammatory foods such as those high in sugar and additives.
Get help for your bunions
Bunions aren’t just a cosmetic issue. They also cause pain and inflammation, and they may make it harder for you to stay active.
If your bunions are causing you uncomfortable symptoms, contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our offices, which are located in Monroe Township and Neptune, New Jersey.
Our team at Caring Podiatry offers several conservative treatments, including pressure and pain reduction to the bunion with custom made orthotics, medications to alleviate the pain, and regenerative medicines. If your bunions don’t respond to conservative treatments, we may recommend surgery to relieve the pressure and restore the joint to its normal position. At Caring Podiatry we are able to get you back on your feet without pain faster.
