Your health

Getting the best of bothersome bunions

Your big toe deserves some sympathy. Its position and length set it up for stubbing and other injuries. And the constant wear and tear can cause a bunion, Harvard Medical School reports.

How bunions develop: Dr. James P. Ioli, chief of the podiatry service at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital, cites several reasons people develop bunions:

Improper footwear. Pointed-toe shoes and high heels are major culprits.

Genetics. Bunions run in families, because foot shape and structure are hereditary. Low arches, flat feet, and loose joints and tendons all increase the risk.

Occupations. People whose jobs involve a lot of standing and walking are susceptible to bunions.

Arthritis. Bunions are also associated with arthritis, which damages the cartilage within the joint.

What you can do about bunions: Painful bunions interfere with walking and exercising. The following can prevent them from getting worse:

Take stock of your shoes. Shoes should have a wide, flexible sole to support the foot and enough room in the toe box to accommodate the bunion and a sturdy back to keep the heel of your foot snugly in place. Stay away from heels higher than an inch.

Add some padding. You can protect bunions with moleskin or gel-filled pads.

Soothe the sore joint. Ice packs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen may relieve pain.

See a podiatrist. These health professionals can evaluate your bunion and provide additional solutions, including custom-fitted shoe inserts.

Fittest Loser finale set for May 9

Join us for an inspiring evening of celebration as we announce the winner of the 2017 Fittest Loser Challenge, as well as the At Work Challenge Champions, at the Fittest Loser finale.

Get tips from suburban health and fitness experts and become inspired by the contestants’ incredible journey to health.

The finale event will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at Chandler’s Banquets at the Schaumburg Golf Club, 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg.

Tickets cost $15. Ticket price includes two drink tickets, light appetizers and a goody bag.

To register, visit events. dailyherald.com/finale/.