Taking a few simple precautionary measures could help you avoid bunions. If you already have the painful bumps at the base of your big toes, your Harrison and Mountain Home, AR, podiatrist, Dr. Eric Arp of Arp Foot and Ankle offers treatments that relieve pain and stiffness.

5 tips to reduce your risk of developing bunions

Following these recommendations may help you avoid bunions:

• Make sure your shoes fit properly: Poorly fitting shoes press against your big toe joint and increase your risk of developing bunions. When you try on a pair of shoes, make sure you have plenty of room to wiggle your toes. Don't buy tight or uncomfortable shoes assuming that they just need to be broken in. Unfortunately, that doesn't usually happen. Choose shoes to fit your larger foot if your feet are different sizes.
• Limit the time you spend in high heels: High heels increase pressure on the front of your foot and may cause or worsen bunions. Save high heels for special occasions or alternate wearing heels with more sensible shoes. Shoes with 2" heels or lower are a better choice for daily wear. Choose high heels that offer more support, like wedges and chunky heels, rather than stilettos.
• Check out the arch support: Flip flops and other shoes that don't offer arch support may make it easier for bunions to develop. If flat feet or other arch issues are a problem for you, your foot doctor can prescribe orthotics during your visit to the Harrison or Mountain Home, AR, podiatry office. Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that provide arch support and keep your feet properly aligned in your shoes.
• Consider losing weight: Those extra pounds may be a contributing factor in bunions. The more you weigh, the more pressure on your feet.
• Do a few exercises: Foot exercises strengthen the muscles in your feet and also help reduce stiffness if you already have bunions. Try picking up marbles or other small objects with your toes, or use your toes to repeatedly scrunch up and release a towel with your toes.

Are your bunions interfering with your life? Pay a visit to your Harrison and Mountain Home, AR, foot doctor, Dr. Arp of Arp Foot and Ankle Clinic. Call (870) 365-3668 to make an appointment at the Harrison office, or (870) 425-7363 to reach the Mountain Home office.