Don't Let Foot Pain Derail Your Fun: How To Care For Your Bunions This Summer

Now that summer is here, you might think that you're going to be avoiding bunion pain and discomfort. Unfortunately, that's not necessarily true, especially if you're going to be spending a lot of time on your feet this summer. The added pressure on your feet, coupled with the heat, can lead to some seriously uncomfortable moments for your feet. To help you avoid problems with your bunions this summer, here are four tricks you need to try.

Start with the Right Shoes

If you're suffering from bunion pain, the first thing you need to do is start with the right shoes. First of all, you need to wear shoes. That's the only way your feet are going to get the right amount of support and protection. Next, you need to make sure that any closed-toed shoes you choose have a wide enough toe box for your feet. A narrow toe box will squeeze your toes together, creating undue pressure on your bunions, and additional pain for your feet. You'll also need to make sure that your shoes have a flexible sole, which will allow for proper movement of your feet. Finally, if you're going to be wearing sandals, make sure they don't have straps that ride across the bunions.

Insist on Gel Inserts

When it comes to protecting your bunions from pain, you want to make sure that you provide them with added padding, especially inside your shoes. The best way to do that is by insisting on gel inserts inside your shoes, especially the kind that provide padded protection over your bunions. If you can't find the right type of gel inserts, be sure to talk to your podiatrist. They can provide you with custom gel orthotics designed specifically for your feet.

Go for the Evening Pain Relief

After a long day on your feet, you're going to need some pain relief. The most important thing you can do is reach for the over-the-counter pain reliever. Not only will this alleviate the pain, it will also help reduce the swelling and inflammation in your feet. It's also a good idea to soak your feet in lukewarm water, followed by a relaxing foot massage. For extreme discomfort, elevate your feet and apply ice packs directly to your bunions for about 15-minutes each evening.

Try a Nighttime Splint

If your bunions are causing you severe pain at night, and it's preventing you from getting a good nights rest, it's time to talk to your podiatrist about a nighttime splint. The splint will help hold your toes in the right position so that you can avoid the pain that accompanies bunions while you sleep.

Don't let bunion pain hold you back this summer. The information provided here will help you obtain relief from bunion pain while you're enjoying your summer. If you continue to suffer from bunion discomfort, be sure to seek bunion treatment from your podiatrist as soon as possible.