How to Prevent Bunions from Getting Worse: What You Can Do (Today!)

The content of this article has been reviewed by Dr. Emilija Ashtalkoska. Products listed therein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Introduction

When you are trying to treat a bunion, the last thing you want to experience is foot surgery.

Although bunions are permanent – unless you have foot surgery – it’s still possible to prevent them from getting worse with the help of exercise, special correctors, and comfortable shoes.

There are also a few great methods to treat bunions and related foot issues.

Whether you’ve just got a bunion or you’ve been dealing with it for several years in a row, here’s what you can do today to relieve the pain and discomfort it might be causing.

Continue reading to discover how to prevent bunions from getting worse.

Background Information On Bunions

Bunions can be caused by a variety of different factors. Genetics is far and away the biggest one – if your family has a history of developing bunions, it is likely that you will eventually develop them as well.

Shoewear can also lead to the development of bunions, especially if they are too tight or uncomfortable. Injuries can also lead to the development of bunions and cause existing bunions to become worse.

Fortunately, there are a number of things that you can do to prevent bunions from getting worse.

1. How to Prevent Bunions from Getting Worse – Invest In A Pair Of Top Quality Shoes

Your footwear can play a significant role in bunion development and growth.

Shoes with weak support, high heels, and a narrow toe box can make your bunion start getting worse; not to mention the pain it can cause. Find a pair of shoes that will support your feet.

Moreover, look for shoes that have a wide toe box, a slight heel (about 1-1.5 inches), and great arch support. If you’re on your feet the whole day, comfortable footwear will help you prevent discomfort and pain caused by a bunion.

Yes, you may have to sacrifice style for comfort in many instances, but keep in mind that there is nothing more important than your health.

2. Try Foot Exercises

Even the smallest bunion can turn into a big one if left unattended, which is why food exercises are essential to preventing this and managing the pain that they case.

There are five foot workouts that we recommend for people with bunions and here’s what each exercise can do to your aching feet. Keep in mind this website does not provide medical advice.

• Bunions stretch and soft tissue release: This exercise aids in reapproximating the toe into natural alignment. It involves massaging the area between the first and second metatarsal while pulling the big toe in one line with the first metatarsal. Keep massaging the area in a back and forth motion for a few minutes. Do it 3 to 5 times during the day.
• Ankle rotation. This exercise helps to pump the blood into your muscles, improving elasticity. Start with a rotation of the foot in a clockwise direction and then in an anti-clockwise direction. Perform 12 reps and 2 sets.
• Toe stretches with a bunion corrector. Trick your toe into following the proper alignment by doing toe stretches with a bunion corrector in 12 reps and 2 sets. Put on a toe corrector and lift your toe as high as possible while keeping your foot on the ground. Hold for 5 seconds and relax the foot.
• Tennis ball massage. Put two tennis balls under your feet and keep rolling them for about 5 minutes.
• Strengthening. Stand up straight while squeezing a tennis ball between the ankles. Keep your ankles level when raising up on your feet balls. Gradually get back to the floor and repeat 10 times.

3. Utilize Arch Supports

Both arch supports and custom-made orthotics can be helpful in relieving the bunion-related foot pain and preventing the bunion from getting worse.

Many doctors recommend arch supports before a foot surgery and there has been proven facts that they do work.

Custom-made supports are highly effective but pricey and they must be ordered only through physical therapists or podiatry offices.

Non-custom arch supports are useful as well and they’re budget-friendly. We recommend trying Arch Support Insoles Shoe Inserts, which are designed by podiatrists and are comfortably padded.

These orthotic insoles help to relieve the foot pain caused by overpronation, flat feet, and bunions.

We also recommend WALKFIT Platinum Foot Orthotics for ultimate arch support. Not only do they help to prevent discomfort and pain related to bunions, but also aid in reducing the lower back pain while walking.

There are three customizable arch inserts to choose from, so you should definitely find something to fit your foot size.

4. Purchase Bunion Correctors

A bunion corrector is a smart and simple way to train your toes to keep their proper alignment.

They work just like the braces for teeth – A bunion corrector forces the toes to keep the right alignment even during exercise.

However, there are several types of bunion correctors to consider:

1. Gel-pad Bunion Protector Sleeves

The elastic sleeves with soft silicone gel aim to fit over the bunion area while cushioning it. They place slight pressure on to the foot while straightening the big toe bones.

We recommend Keklle Bunion Corrector and Bunion Relief Sleeve with Gel Bunion Pads, as they don’t cause any pain or discomfort, unlike a foot surgery.

Plus, they’re good for workouts.

2. Bunion Corrector Orthopedic Relief Splint

This bunion corrector helps to cushion the bunions on the big toes, aiding in budging it into their natural positions.

The corrector features Velcro straps that help to support the foot’s arch and a flexible hinge that lets the foot move.

We recommend this 8-piece Orthopedic Bunion Corrector Relief And Protector Splint Sleeve that is specifically created to provide quick relief to the pain and discomfort triggered by bunions.

Additionally, it helps to gently and slowly realign the toes into their natural and original position.

3. Toe Spacers

A toe spacer slips over the first two toes, trying to realign them and protecting the bunions from friction that shoes can cause.

We recommend this 14 Piece Bunion Pad & Spacer Kit that will let you stay more active during the day while helping to keep the bunion cushion in its place.

Besides toe spacers, this kit features various pads that ensure comfort and pain relief in a jiff.

4. Exercise Toe Straps

The low cost, highly effective exercise toe straps prevent bunions from getting worse and reduce discomforts.

We recommend this budget-friendly Big Toe Strap Bunion Straightener to increase the toe flexibility and suppress the bunion development.

5. Lose That Excess Weight

The last thing you can to prevent bunions from getting worse is to lose any excess weight you are carrying around.

Excess weight puts more strain on your feet, heels, toes, and legs, thus leading to the development and exacerbation of bunions and other foot problems.

Conversely, losing this excess weight can help improve your overall health and prevent bunions from getting worse.

What Causes Bunions?

Bunions, known medically as Hallux Abductovalgus, in most cases are caused by the following factors – aging, constantly being on your feet all day (such as a waiter or a nurse), and improper footwear.

However, the biggest cause of all is undoubtedly genetics.

Unfortunately, if your family members have developed bunions in the past, there is a high likelihood that you will also develop them at some point.

It is also important to note that deformities of the foot may look like bunions can actually be caused by other conditions such as osteoarthritis, gout, Freiberg disease etc.

Talk to your doctor for more information.

Conclusion

Nothing can be more effective than a corrective bunion surgery, yet there are many other methods to try to prevent your bunion from getting worse.

Thank you for taking the time to read our article on how to prevent bunions from getting worse.

Before using any of the methods and products mentioned above, make sure you consult your doctor first. This website does not provide medical advice.

References

Sources for more information on bunions:

I am the founder of DestroyNailFungus, and I do my best to provide comprehensive guides on health and wellness.

When I’m not running the site, I enjoy spending time outdoors and drinking coffee.