Living in New York City means being on your feet a lot. Whether you’re catching the train, running errands, or heading across town, walking is part of the daily routine. But when foot problems like bunion and hammertoe show up, all that movement can feel uncomfortable fast.
These conditions change the shape of the front of your foot. You might notice toes bending oddly or soreness at the base of your big toe. Sometimes both happen at once, which can make standing or walking more stressful on your feet. We know how frustrating it can be to feel foot pain while you’re just trying to get through your day. Here are a few ways people can manage discomfort this season and make city walking feel a bit easier.
Noticing When Discomfort Gets in the Way
If your feet bother you more than usual, especially in the chill of late fall, it might be time to pay closer attention. Small changes often show up first.
• Your usual shoes feel tighter across the toes or rub in all the wrong places
• Walking short distances leaves your feet aching or tired quickly
• Your toes may seem to shift, cross over each other, or swell, especially after walking for a bit
Cold weather often makes things worse. Stiffness sets in faster, and joints that already act up can feel more sore. This is often when the discomfort becomes harder to ignore. Being aware of changes is the first step in keeping things from getting worse. It gives you a chance to make adjustments now so your feet are ready for the long Manhattan winter ahead.
Sometimes these initial signs can seem minor, but they can also build up over days or weeks to become more obvious. The earlier you notice when discomfort starts to impact your stride, the easier it is to make a small tweak and keep things from escalating further. Monitoring how your feet feel after busy days can help you spot patterns, like swelling after long walks or shoes feeling tighter at the end of the day. Recognizing these patterns means you can catch trouble sooner, before it impacts your plans or comfort in a bigger way.
Footwear That Helps Ease Pressure
Shoes make a big difference when you’re dealing with unusual toe shapes or pressure points. Finding the right pair can be one of the easiest ways to start feeling better.
• Choose shoes with a wide, deep toe box so your toes have room
• Avoid high heels or shoes with narrow fronts, since they squeeze your toes and can make matters worse
• Some people benefit from cushioned inserts or support devices that adjust pressure inside the shoe
It doesn’t always take a special brand or a high-priced model. Sometimes just finding the right size width, a softer insole, or a different shape can ease pressure around bunions and hammertoes. If you spend a lot of time outside, it’s also smart to make sure your shoes keep your feet warm. Cold toes are often more sensitive.
Checking your shoes throughout the season can alert you to small problems before they start to hurt. When shoes break in or materials start to stiffen in the cold, you might notice the fit changing slightly. Re-lacing shoes for a little more comfort, or using thin protective padding over the sore spot, can help create enough space for your foot to relax. Keeping an extra pair of shoes handy at work or in your bag makes it easier to switch out of tighter shoes if you notice swelling through the day. Sometimes, cycling between two different pairs can help prevent certain areas from getting irritated in the same spot repeatedly.
Daily Care Tips for Cold Weather Relief
Foot care doesn’t stop when you take your shoes off. Simple habits at home can make a difference, especially when it gets colder out. That’s the time when joints are more likely to stiffen and swell.
• Warm foot soaks can help relax stiff toe joints and soothe tired feet
• Keep your feet dry and warm, especially when walking in cooler temperatures through city blocks
• Try basic stretches for your toes and arches to stay flexible and avoid tightness
Moving your toes a bit every day, even small movements, can help keep joints from locking into painful positions. If weather limits your time outside, make space indoors to move in ways that don’t overload sore areas.
Even basic self-care, like using gentle massage on your feet or wiggling toes while you sit, can help improve comfort. After a long day on your feet, elevating them for a few minutes can reduce swelling and make nighttime rest more restorative. Washing and drying your feet thoroughly can prevent skin problems, which are easier to develop when you’re dealing with toe crowding or thick socks in boots. Small steps each evening, combined with consistent care, can help you wake up with less discomfort and more willing feet for the next day’s tasks.
When the Discomfort Is Too Much to Ignore
While home care and better shoes can help some pain ease up, there are moments when it’s time to ask for more help. If your bunion and hammertoe pain is making daily life harder, don’t brush it off.
• Ongoing pain during your normal routine is a red flag worth paying attention to
• If shoes and padding no longer help, or if your toes keep changing shape, something more could be going on
• A podiatrist can look more closely at how your feet are moving and what’s causing the trouble
• Dr. Fabienne Rottenberg provides both non-surgical and surgical solutions that are tailored to individual foot needs, and every initial visit includes a careful review and imaging of your foot to pinpoint the main concerns
We understand that taking that next step can feel like a big deal, especially when you’ve been trying to manage things on your own for a while. But when the pain starts interfering with walking your neighborhood, getting to work, or even sleeping well, it’s time to get an expert’s look.
Chronic pain, changes in how your foot appears, or any sign that you are losing function are all signs that your body needs more attention than shoes and at-home care can offer. Ignoring pain and discomfort over a long winter can sometimes make things worse. It is easier to act early, when you notice symptoms growing, so you give yourself the best shot at relief and getting back to your favorite city walks.
A More Comfortable Season Starts With Small Changes
Fall in New York doesn’t wait for anyone, and cold temps are on the way. But that doesn’t mean foot pain needs to stick around too. If we listen to our feet, adjust our habits, and stay alert to changes, managing discomfort becomes much more realistic.
Whether it’s taking the time to stretch in the mornings, switching to shoes that give more space, or making a warm soak part of your bedtime routine, small things matter. Having bunion and hammertoe pain doesn’t mean giving up on comfortable walks across the city. It just means your feet might need a little extra attention this season.
Give yourself credit for every small improvement, even swapping one pair of shoes or sticking with a new nightly stretch. Those day-to-day changes truly add up, helping you keep up with the city pace more comfortably. Sometimes listening well to what your feet tell you is the simplest step you can take to have a more comfortable season ahead.
Struggling with everyday foot pain can be frustrating, especially when simple changes don’t bring relief. At Dr. Fabienne Rottenberg, we support a variety of common foot concerns, including bunion and hammertoe. Our Manhattan patients appreciate having a clear plan that fits their lifestyle. Let us help you find answers and comfort, call to schedule your visit today.
