A bunion, or hallux valgus, appears as a large bump on the side of the big toe. They occur when the big toe bulges outward at the base and points inward at the top, causing a painful swelling of the bursa, the fluid-filled sac at the first joint of the toe. They are more common in people who wear pointed-toe or poorly fitting shoes and in those with flat feet. The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center states that bunions also tend to run in families. Treatment reduces friction against the bursa and alleviates irritation and swelling.
Step 1
Wear low-heeled, wide, properly fitting shoes to reduce pressure and friction on the bunion and stop its growth. Special pads are available in most pharmacies that fit over bunions to protect them from irritation.
Step 2
Take anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and treat pain. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are generally sufficient to improve symptoms. In some cases, steroid injections might be necessary to reduce severe swelling.
Step 3
Apply an ice pack to your bunion several times a day. This will reduce pain and inflammation, according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Step 4
Correct the alignment of your toes by wearing special devices, called orthotics, to support your foot. These devices are fitted by an orthopedic doctor or podiatrist and might require adjustment over time.
Step 5
Undergo a surgical procedure called bunionectomy. This procedure involves the cutting away of any bony growth and surgically correcting the alignment of your nerves, tendons, ligaments and bones. Most bunionectomies are performed on an outpatient basis, but recovery time is significant, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Things You'll Need
- Bunion pads
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
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