How to Avoid Getting Bunions

A bunion is a common deformity of the forefoot that causes the big toe to drift inward toward the second toe. Untreated, a bunion makes walking painful. It's much easier to prevent the formation of bunions than to try to cure them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Comfortable Shoes
• Cosmetic Bags
• Sandals
• Cuticle Creams
• Exfoliating Cleanser
• Foot Buffers
• Foot Lotions
• Nail Brushes
• Nail Buffers
• Nail Cleaners
• Nail Clippers
• Nail Files
• Nail Polish Remover
• Nail Polishes
• Pedicure Kits
• Toe Separators

1. Recognize the signs of a bunion: red skin over the joint, pain in the joint area and an inward turning of the big toe.
2. Throw away all the shoes you own that don't look like the shape of a human foot.
3. Wear shoes with lots of toe room. You should be able to wiggle your toes freely enough to play the piano with them.
4. Push in the top of your shoe above your toes. The leather should dimple under your finger, indicating that there's plenty of room between your toes and the end of the shoe.
5. Go barefoot around the house whenever possible. This keeps pressure off of your toes.
6. Wear open-toed sandals in warm weather to give your toes room to wiggle.
7. Avoid high heels. Try not to wear heels higher than 2 1/4 inches.

Tips & Warnings

• Women suffer from bunions 10 times more than men because of the narrow toes and high heels of many fashionable women's shoes.
• Consult a podiatrist if foot pain persists or is severe.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.