More than half of all women in America have bunions, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and nine out of 10 bunions occur in women. A deformity in the bone caused most frequently by wearing tight, narrow shoes, bunions can almost always be prevented by wearing proper footwear. In rare cases, however, bunions are a result of genetics or foot injuries. While it is impossible to completely cure a bunion without surgery, you can reduce pain and inflammation using home remedies. You can also avoid surgery by wearing shoes that fit properly, applying a bunion pad to the affected area and taping your foot in a normal position with your doctor's help.
Ice Pack
When a bunion becomes inflamed or painful, the Mayo Clinic recommends applying an ice pack two or three times a day to help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Place four to six ice cubes in a plastic sandwich bag, seal the bag and wrap it in a thin towel. Apply the ice pack directly to your bunion for 10 minutes at a time several times throughout the day as needed. If you still feel pain, leave the ice off the bunion for 10 minutes and then repeat the cycle.
Aspirin Soak
In his book "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies," Bill Gottlieb recommends soaking the affected foot in an aspirin foot bath to relieve the pain of an inflamed bunion. Crush three or four aspirin tablets and add them to a basin filled with warm water. Soak your feet in the solution as long as necessary for pain relief. Rarely, aspirin may cause skin irritation. If you experience any discomfort, discontinue the treatment immediately.
Red Pepper
Herbalist James A. Duke, author of "The Green Pharmacy," recommends using red pepper to alleviate bunion pain. Red pepper contains capsaicin, a substance that depletes the nerves of the compounds responsible for causing pain. Purchase a commercial capsaicin cream and apply to the bunion according to the label instructions or simply cut a red pepper in half and rub its juice directly onto the affected area. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling capsaicin cream or red pepper. Try this treatment on a small area of skin first to make sure it doesn't irritate the skin, as some people are sensitive to capsaicin.
Castor Oil
In her book "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living," Janet Zand suggests applying warm castor oil to inflamed bunions for relief from pain. Place about 1/4 cup of castor oil in a small saucepan and heat gently over low heat until just warm. Soak a piece of cheesecloth or thin, cotton cloth in the warmed oil and apply to the affected joint. Place a thin towel over the compress to help hold in the heat. Repeat as often as necessary to alleviate pain.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Bunions
- MayoClinic.com: Bunions Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
- "The Green Pharmacy"; James A. Duke; 1998
- "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living"; Janet Zand, Allan N. Spreen, James B. LaValle; 1999
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