How To Manage and Prevent Bunions

Do you live with bunions that make daily life difficult? Dr. My Hoa Kaas and Dr. Jay Ryan at Virginia Foot and Ankle Center in Fairfax, VA, can help you gain relief through personalized care.

Guide to Managing and Preventing Bunions

Living with a bunion can be hard to deal with, especially when it becomes uncomfortable or painful to wear shoes. There are, however, things you can do to prevent and manage bunions, as well as various treatment options. Dr. Kaas, Dr. Ryan, and the team at Virginia Foot and Ankle Center in Fairfax, VA, share tips and treatment information below.

Understanding Bunions

One of the most important steps in preventing and managing a bunion is understanding what it is and how it forms. The joint at the base of the toe becomes misaligned, and the top of the toe turns toward the other toes. Next, the joint typically forms a bump, usually by rubbing against your shoe.

The toe can become misaligned due to genetic foot structure. However, it may also happen because of shoes that are too tight around the toes, heeled shoes that cause the foot to move forward, shoes without proper support, or injuries.

Prevention

As the issue is often caused by the type of shoes a person wears, the main step is to wear proper footwear. Choose shoes that:

• Have a wide-toe box
• Provide arch support
• Have little or no heel

It also helps to maintain a healthy weight that reduces pressure on the joint. Exercising and stretching your feet each day can keep the toe joint strong and flexible.

Management

The preventative tips above also play a role in managing a bunion, especially with shoes and stretching the foot. However, when you have foot structure issues or an injury, preventative measures might not be enough.

If you develop a bunion despite your efforts, you may gain relief by icing your feet or soaking them in warm water. Resting and elevating them is helpful as well.

A visit to a podiatrist is also a wise idea. They can recommend effective treatment options, such as:

• Custom foot orthotics that provide personalized arch support
• Toe splints or spacers to wear while you sleep
• Targeted exercises that help strengthen the joint

If prevention and management steps fail to yield the desired results, surgery may be recommended to ensure relief.

Learn more about managing and preventing bunions with the help of Dr. Kaas and Dr. Ryan at Virginia Foot and Ankle Center in Fairfax, VA. Call (703) 205-0770 to schedule an appointment today.