5 Things That Make Bunions More Painful and Severe

A bunion deformity is hard to miss; the signature bump that forms on the side of the big toe is a dead giveaway. Some people live with bunions and don't have many issues, while others deal with daily pain and discomfort that make it difficult to walk.

Unfortunately, bunions don’t heal on their own, and instead, they worsen without treatment. But you could be making your bunion worse with simple lifestyle choices.

Making a few changes can lessen bunion discomfort, but you may need expert treatment for optimal relief. Dr. Mark Sharobeem provides innovative treatments and therapies for foot problems like bunions at Manhattan Podiatry Group.

Dr. Sharobeem is an experienced foot and ankle specialist who provides orthotics, physical therapy, and minimally invasive procedures for bunions.

Understanding bunions

Bunions are a type of foot deformity that occurs when the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint in the large toe drifts, causing a bump to form on the outer portion of the toe. The problem lies within a faulty foot structure that makes the joint more prone to deforming over time.

The symptoms of bunions develop gradually over time, with certain things worsening the condition. For instance, wearing shoes that compress the bump causes more pressure, exacerbating the symptoms.

The only proper way to fix a bunion is through surgery, but many people find relief using conservative measures.

What's making my bunions worse?

Living with a bunion is tough, especially when you can't seem to get the discomfort under control. Making smart choices regarding your feet is the first step in alleviating bunion pain.

There could be a few things that are making your bunions progress faster, causing more intense symptoms. Five of the everyday factors that worsen bunions include:

1. Wearing tight shoes

As your bunion worsens, the bump on the outside of the toe enlarges. The prominent bump makes it hard to find shoes that don't rub on the bunion, which causes more inflammation and pain. Tight-fitting shoes are the worst choice for bunion pain.

2. Standing too long

Standing all day long is another way to exacerbate your pain. Long periods of standing put excessive pressure on the joint, causing the bunion to worsen and the discomfort to turn severe.

3. Having medical conditions

Inflammatory medical conditions worsen the symptoms of bunions. Problems like rheumatoid arthritis lead to increased inflammation and pain in the affected joint, making it nearly impossible to find relief.

4. Being overweight

Obesity leads to excess strain in various body areas, including your feet. The extra weight adds pressure to the already misaligned joint, causing it to push further outward and exacerbating your pain.

5. Wearing unsupportive shoes

Flip-flops and high heels may be your go-to styles for shoes, but they're bad choices for bunions. High heels put a lot of pressure on the toe joints, which increases pain, while flip-flops are unsupportive and don't provide the stability your foot needs.

Lifestyle changes to improve bunion pain

The good news is that you can get decent relief from bunion pain through simple lifestyle changes. Pinpointing what could be worsening your symptoms directs you to where to start eliminating discomfort.

Several lifestyle changes help to alleviate bunion discomfort, and they include:

• Losing weight if you need to
• Buying comfortable, roomy shoes
• Avoiding flip-flops or high heels
• Trying on shoes at the end of the day
• Taking breaks to get off your feet
• Trying toe spacers
• Investing in orthotics

You may be able to find enough relief with lifestyle changes to ward off further treatment. However, it's vital to remember that bunions may worsen, warranting professional care.

Do I have other treatment options?

Lifestyle changes aren't always enough to alleviate bunion pain, especially in cases where the deformity is severe. Dr. Sharobeem offers other therapies for long-term bunion relief when you've exhausted lifestyle options.

He often recommends conservative measures first for bunion pain, and they include:

• Custom orthotics
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
• Injections
• Padding the bunion
• Shoe changes

Conservative therapies don't fix the bunion, but they can keep it from progressing. Many people get significant, long-lasting relief from conservative measures.

But if you’ve tried lifestyle changes and conservative measures without significant relief and the bunion is disrupting your life, it may be time to consider surgery. Bunion surgery is typically the last resort because it's invasive and requires a recovery period.

Dr. Sharobeem offers the most up-to-date minimally invasive procedures and long-term bunion pain relief.

Call the Manhattan Podiatry Group today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sharobeem for bunion treatments, or visit our website. We have New York City offices in Gramercy Park and Staten Island, and one in Newark, New Jersey.