That bony bump on the side of your feet might be a bunion – a common foot problem, particularly among adults. Some bunions have no symptoms, but many become red, swollen, and painful, making it difficult for you to put on a shoe or walk. You cannot get rid of bunions unless you have surgery, but there are things you can do to manage symptoms and prevent bunions Bakersfield from worsening. For example, wearing ill-fitting footwear can worsen symptoms, but you can relieve foot pain with the right shoes. Read on to explore other ways to ease bunion pain.

Size shoes by comfort

While everyone has their usual foot size, shoes from different companies may be sized differently. Therefore, always wear what is comfortable instead of sticking to your shoe size. You should easily slip your feet into a pair of new shoes; if you feel pinching or rubbing, consider going a size up. Many people wear tight shoes for weeks or months with the hope that they will expand and accommodate their feet. Unfortunately, what this does is put stress on your feet. Additionally, the shoes may still not be the perfect fit even after wearing them for a while. For this reason, when shopping, prioritize comfort; good shoes should feel sturdy but comfortable.

Let your feet breathe

If you are always in shoes, take them off for a few minutes throughout the day to give them room to breathe. Even if you wear the perfect shoes for bunions prevention, your feet will be thankful. Also, remember to rest and relax your feet since they get a lot of us. If you have been standing or moving around, let off your feet to help release tension and pressure.

Do stretches and strengthening exercises for your feet

Just like other parts of our body, you can increase the strength and flexibility of your feet using certain exercises. These exercises minimize foot pain, relieve muscle soreness, improve function, and promote overall foot health. Below are examples of bunion prevention or management exercises you can try at home.

Place around 15 small objects on the floor while sitting, pick each item using your toes, and drop them in a container. You can also lay a small towel on the floor, then from a seated position, curl your toes around the towel and pull it toward you by bending your knees. Do two or three sets of these exercises at least twice daily to improve strength and flexibility.

Wear proper shoes

The best thing you can do to ensure your feet are bunion-free is to wear proper shoes. Your shoes should be a bit loose, with enough room for your toes, good arch support, and no more than two inches of heels. If you enjoy your high heels, consider wearing them occasionally and not every day. If you can, give them up altogether in favor of supportive flats. Platform shoes, blocky heels, and wedges are better alternatives since they distribute weight more evenly across your foot. Such shoes also minimize pressure since they have a shallower angle which doesn’t push you into the balls of your feet.

There is no guarantee that you will never get bunions, but the above tips can help you prevent this foot problem.

If you have a bony bump at the base of your big toe, visit your provider at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center for treatment to relieve pain.