If bunions run in your family, there is a chance you are at risk to develop them. While bunions are not genetic, they can be caused by several factors including the shape of your foot, which is often determined by your parents’ feet. Bunions are not unavoidable, however, and there are a few things you can do to prevent them. If you want to avoid high levels of discomfort, unsightly feet, and spending your free time researching the differences in corn vs. bunion, you should take the time to prevent bunions.

Exercise

Since bunions develop slowly, exercising your feet over time can help prevent them. Your feet are responsible for carrying the weight of your entire body, so it is important to strengthen them as much as possible in order to avoid injury or to avoid conditions like bunions developing. Toe curls and arch tilts are simple exercises you can do to increase foot strength, as well as daily stretches in the morning and at night. Some professionals recommend learning to pick up small items with your toes to further increase their strength.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Wearing proper shoes is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent bunions. Always be sure to wear shoes that fit you properly, and avoid any styles that pinch your toes or leave your feet with little room to “breathe.” Avoid wearing high heels as much as possible; they might look good, but they cause a lot of damage to your feet and should be reserved for special occasions and avoided as often as possible.

Take Care of Your Feet

Caring for your feet at the end of a long day is important, as your feet carry the weight of your entire body and are likely to ache more than other parts of your body. To treat aches and pains, soak your feet in a hot Epsom salt bath or treat yourself to a massage. Use products that hydrate and protect the skin on your feet, and allow yourself proper time to rest at the end of a long day.

Taking a little extra time to care for your feet will not only help to prevent bunions and other uncomfortable issues, but can lead to the relief of other aches and pains and a generally increased sense of wellness; after all, your feet are responsible for a majority of what you are able to do each day, yet they are often neglected in terms of self-care. Take the time to care for your feet, and your entire body will thank you.