Do you have a bony bump on the side of your toes? Do you experience numbness in the area having this bump? If your answer is yes to those questions, you could suffer from bunions. This condition occurs when the bone moves out of its original place, pulling the affected toes towards or far away from other toes.
Although bunions are common in the bigger toe, they can also develop in the small toe. When bone misalignment occurs in the small toe, the condition is called Atoka tailor’s bunion. Irrespective of the toe affected, more severe bunions can affect your mobility, thus limiting you from living fully. The good news is that the following tips can help you prevent bunions.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Wider shoes may not look fashionable, but your feet’ comfort is a practical matter. Tight-fitting shoes usually put extra strain on your shoes. Over time, excessive pressure on your toes can trigger misalignment, leading to a bony bump. Be sure to replace the ill-fitting footwear with shoes that offer ample room to your toes. You should inquire about getting the correct fitting shoes if you participate in sporting activities.
Exercise Your Toes
Physical exercises are critical for overall health. However, when training, many people neglect their toes since they do not know the power of exercise in bunion prevention. Exercising your toes helps to boost their strength, thus increasing their capacity to handle pressure. It would help if you tried to pick up objects like pebbles and pens with your toes. Always be watchful to avoid exerting excessive pressure on your toes when exercising.
Take Breaks
Certain occupations necessitate individuals to stand for a long time. The prolonged standing sessions can put extra pressure on the feet. As a result, you could develop bunions, especially if any of your parents have had this condition before. Fortunately, taking small breaks between long hours can help prevent misalignment issues. You can even walk around the compound during lunchtime for your feet’ bones to stretch uniformly.
Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis
Many people with rheumatoid arthritis have reported the onset of bunions. When arthritis is out of control, your feet will likely be swollen. Consequently, your footwear will fit tighter, predisposing you to bony bumps on your toes. Work with your health care provider to know your rheumatoid arthritis triggers and avoid them. For example, they can recommend avoiding highly processed meals to prevent inflammation.
Monitor Changes in Your Feet
Bunions do not develop overnight. Therefore, focusing on your foot changes can help you catch the subtle signs early enough. Redness and pain in the toes are some early signs of bunions. It would help to consider contacting the foot doctor whenever you notice those signs. Your podiatrist will recommend customized orthotics and other measures to slow down the progress of bunions. They will also help you alleviate the discomfort associated with bunions.
A bunion is one of the leading foot concerns. It occurs when your feet have an alignment issue, making your toes bulge outwards. This foot condition can trigger pain, thus inhibiting victims’ quality of life. Learning how to prevent bunions will make a huge impact on your life. Wear comfortable shoes to avoid straining your toes.
If your job requires you to stand for long, you should take small breaks to lower the chances of exerting greater pressure on your toes. Further, any time you notice changes in your toes, you should contact a podiatrist.