A bunion is a condition that begins with the big toe leaning toward the second toe rather than straight ahead, throwing the foot bones out of alignment and creating the trademark bump near the big toe, according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Bunions develop over time, and some people are more prone to bunions because of the structure of their foot. Bunion symptoms include a burning sensation, pain, swelling, redness and numbness. Surgery is sometimes prescribed to treat a bunion, but more often nonsurgical methods such as padding the area help alleviate the discomfort.
Step 1
Obtain some shoes that have a bit of extra room or are a little wider than normal. Bigger shoes prevent the bunion from rubbing and have room for the padding.
Step 2
Attach a bunion pad over the top of the bunion so it covers the entire area of the bump. Follow the instructions of the particular pads you are using for the best fit.
Step 3
Pull a sock over your foot with the pad on it, to keep the pad in place and add a little more padding to the bunion.
Step 4
Obtain shoe inserts to fit into the bottom of your shoes, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Some varieties can be purchased over the counter, and some require a prescription. Shoe inserts help place the foot in a normal position.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider trying a toe separator to keep your big toe straight or a padded sleeve for added protection if regular padding is ineffective.
Things You'll Need
- Shoes
- Bunion pad
- Socks
- Shoe inserts
