life at... 60 something

CARING FOR BUNIONS

As we grow older, our health can begin to deteriorate quickly, especially when it comes to an area we commonly forget about—our feet.

That nagging foot pain that you’ve written off for years as “normal,” may in fact, be caused by untreated bunions, which can be extremely detrimental to your overall health and well-being. If not properly identified and cared for, bunions can cause pain and disability affecting exercise activities, as well as activities of daily living.

Bunions are an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe, which results in the big toe moving closer toward the other toes and a painful bump on the inside edge of the foot. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), statistics show that bunions cause symptoms in women twice as often as men. While the underlying cause of bunion development is usually abnormal foot biomechanics, or how the foot functions, ill-fitting shoes can aggravate and contribute to the progression of bunion deformities. Arthritis, the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 55, can also develop in the big toe joint.

It is extremely vital that both young and older Americans not only become aware of their current foot health to prevent problems from worsening, but also be aware of who can provide help for their foot conditions. When properly identified and cared for by an APMA podiatrist, years of discomfort and pain can be significantly decreased or even eliminated—letting you fully enjoy some of the happiest years of your life.

Bunions, as well as other foot conditions, can be promptly addressed by finding a podiatrist near you. To find a podiatrist, or for more information about bunions, visit apma.org.

BE KIND
TO YOUR FEET

• Always wear a comfortable shoe.
• Always fit shoes to your larger foot, and have your feet sized every time you buy new shoes.
• Wear shoes that have a wide and deep toe box. Avoid wearing shoes that narrow at the ball of the foot.
• When buying new shoes, try shopping toward the end of the day, when feet are more swollen.
• Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes that are more than two inches tall.
• Seek professional podiatric assistance with uncomfortable or noticeable bunions.
• Any kind of foot pain is not normal. Always consult an APMA podiatrist for assistance.

­Ross

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