How Can I Prevent My Bunions from Getting Worse?

Bunions may look like a bump at the base of your big toe, but it’s not an abnormal growth or tumor. Rather, bunions form as a result of a misalignment. The bump you see is actually your metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint being pushed out of alignment. Because bunions jut out, they can rub against your shoes — causing pain, friction, and irritation. 

Although bunions develop slowly, they can worsen over time. Our team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons offers both nonsurgical and surgical treatments for bunions here at Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County in Bloomfield Hills and Clarkston, Michigan, but we also want you to learn strategies to prevent your bunions from getting worse.

Wear the right shoes

Choosing the right shoes can go a long way in reducing friction and preventing your bunion from getting worse. Ideally, look for shoes that:

Feel good immediately

Shoes shouldn’t rub, feel tight, or pinch you when you slide them on. If you try on a new pair of shoes and think you need to “break them in” for a few weeks, take a pass. You shouldn’t have to break in a pair of shoes for weeks before they become comfortable. Breaking in shoes puts stress on your feet and can irritate your bunion. 

The ideal pair of shoes feels comfortable when you wear them regardless of whether it’s your first or 51st time wearing them. 

Fit correctly

Although it may seem obvious, make sure your shoes fit correctly. Not all brands fit the same way. You may wear a size 8 in one brand but a size 9 in another. To ensure you have the right size for your feet, always measure the length and width of your foot and try on multiple sizes instead of buying the same size. Shoe widths are labeled by letters (A-E) and are added to your numerical size — e.g., size 8A or 9C. 

Have a wide toe box

Shoe size isn’t the only feature you need to focus on. Look for shoe styles that feature a wide toe box. This gives your bunion plenty of room and can help prevent corns, calluses, and blisters.  

Avoid tight, narrow, and pointy shoes.

Support your feet

The arches of your feet help to evenly distribute pressure rather than putting all of your body weight onto the balls or heels of your feet. Most shoes have a built-in arch support, but double check that the arch support is right for your feet. If you have high arches or flat feet, you may need additional support. 

Feature a low (or no) heel

High heels may add a little pizzazz to your outfit, but high heels are a bunion’s nemesis. When you wear high heels, extra pressure is put onto your toes — and your bunion! Ideally, wear flat shoes, but if you do wear heels, choose a low heel and rotate them throughout the week so you’re not wearing them everyday. 

Rest

Wearing the right shoes is essential for bunion management, but it’s also important to know when to rest your feet. To reduce foot inflammation, rest your feet, soak them in a foot bath, apply cold compresses, and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, if needed.

Stretch your feet

Stretching your feet can strengthen the muscles, mobilize your toe joint, and help reduce stiffness in your toes. These exercises are particularly helpful if you have bunions:

• Toe pickups: pick up a marble with your toes 
• Toe curls: drag a towel with your toes
• Rolling: roll a tennis ball under the bottom of your feet
• Toe circles: mobilize your toe joint by rotating your big toe in circles

In addition to these stretches, complete any other stretches and exercises recommended for you during physical therapy.

Wear your orthotics

Do you have a pair of orthotics? Orthotics are medical-grade devices that help reduce bunion pain and prevent your bunions from getting worse, but you have to wear them as directed to receive these benefits.

Monitor your feet for any changes

Bunions develop slowly, so it’s important to monitor your feet for signs that your bunions are progressing. The earliest signs of bunions are pain, swelling, and redness in your big toe joint.

As it progresses, you may notice that your big toe starts to lean towards your other toes and that the bump is getting bigger. 

Our goal is to help you find relief from bunion pain either through nonsurgical treatments (such as orthotics) or through surgery.  Call the location of your choice or use our online form to get started. You can also text us at 248-955-2622.