Take Steps to Prevent Bunions
Of all the places on your body, the feet can be the most sensitive to pain. You rely on them a lot, too, so you’ll want to know how to prevent bunions. They are a common – and painful – condition most often caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes. However, they can also be hereditary. Whatever the reason you suffer from bunions, read on for some great tips about how to avoid them.
If you’ve ever experienced this particular malady of the foot, you’ll know that the pain can be excruciating. You want instant relief. One of the quickest ways to alleviate foot discomfort is to take an anti-inflammatory and a painkiller. Together, these things should have you feeling less aggravated. There are some simple exercises you can learn, as well. This sort of physical therapy, combined with padded insoles, can also be a useful method for soothing the pain that results when your shoe rubs against your foot.
If your problem is chronic, you may want to consider a more permanent solution that will prevent bunions – for good! Surgery is an extremely effective way to safely rid you of bothersome bunions. Many people prefer this course of action to other options. In fact, for severe hallux valgus, keyhole surgery is the only way to truly correct it. However, the NHS will only recommend it for those whose quality of life is compromised. It’s never performed for cosmetic reasons. Private clinics may consider doing it under less dire circumstances, but it’s always good advice to consult your GP in the first instance. Techniques have progressed in leaps and bounds over the last few years, so most procedures are straightforward and leave little in the way of scarring.
Yes, but how can you prevent bunions?
Prevention is always preferable to cure. When it comes to hallux valgus , wearing comfortable shoes will usually correct the conundrum of painful feet. What constitutes a comfy shoe? We probably don’t really need to tell you, but we will. Sorry, Louboutin lovers…your heels should rise no higher than four centimetres. That applies to you, too, denizens of Dior and platform people. When your heels are very high, your weight isn’t equally distributed. This means that your poor, little tootsies get pushed towards the front of your shoes and this mashes your big toe between the inside of your shoe and your other toes.
It’s even more pronounced if your shoe is narrow in the toe. Sounds painful just reading about it, don’t you think? Choose your shoes wisely. If you’re going to be travelling on foot, don’t totter about in your beautiful torture devices. Opt for a low heel and a roomy toe that will accommodate well and give your dogs the freedom to roam a bit. Not too much, though. That’s an altogether different issue!
Have we convinced you yet of the importance of looking after your feet? Save those stilettos for special occasions and take care about the sorts of shoes you wear on a daily basis. If you have a penchant for pretty heels, reduce the number of times you allow yourself to indulge. They may look lovely when you’re wearing them, but they’re playing havoc with your posture – and they’re also having a negative affect on the aesthetics of your feet. Bunions are just one possible result. If you don’t treat them in a timely manner, they don’t magically disappear. They’ll become more pronounced by the day and – seriously – lead to deformities. These things can take a real toll on your ability to move and to lead a normal life.
So, finally: please, heed our advice. If you have already developed a bunion or you sense that one is forming, see your GP immediately. He or she will refer you to a specialist, if necessary. You’ll also get some valuable recommendations and a course of treatment to follow. Good luck – and cheers to your happy feet!
