Bunions develop when the bone that joins the big toe on the inner border of the foot grows prominent, forming a bump made of soft tissue and bone. "By far the most common cause of bunions is the prolonged wearing of poorly fitting shoes, usually shoes with a narrow, pointed toe box that squeezes the toes into an unnatural position," says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Bunions sometimes also develop in people who suffer from arthritis or polio and can be hereditary. You can treat most bunion pain, unless severe, with relatively simple means.
Step 1
Schedule an appointment with your physician for guidance on how to pad and tape your foot so that it stays in a normal position, which can decrease stress on the bunion and reduce pain. Typically, a doughnut-shaped pad is placed over the bunion and covered with strips of tape to hold it in place for several days, according to Robert Rutha Simon and Steven J. Koenigsknecht, authors of "Emergency Orthopedics: The Extremities."
Step 2
Wear roomy shoes that allow plenty of space for your toes. To prevent compression or cramping of the toes, look for shoes with wide fore-foots. Make sure each shoe offers 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch of space at the end of your longest toe and allows you to extend all toes and provides a firm grip on your heel, advises the AAOS. Many companies produce special shoes -- including loafers, sneakers and sandals -- for people who suffer from bunions.
Step 3
Purchase padded shoe inserts, also known as orthotics, which can help reduce abnormal foot movement and prevent your bunion from worsening. Some people benefit from over-the-counter arch supporters, while others require prescription orthotics. Consult your doctor for advice on which orthotics will work best for you.
Step 4
Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help alleviate bunion pain. If your pain is severe, your doctor might elect to give you cortisone injections, which typically include local anesthetic and a corticosteroid medication, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 5
Consider surgery if conservative treatments do not alleviate your pain. While many patients can treat their pain at home, sometimes surgery is necessary. As most orthopedic surgeons do not recommend bunion surgery as a preventative measure, consider surgery only if your pain limits your everyday activities. Orthopedic surgeons perform almost all bunion surgery on an outpatient basis and the surgery typically takes about one hour, according to the AAOS.
Tips and Warnings
- When shopping for shoes, do so toward the end of the day when your feet are their largest. Buy shoes that conform to the shape of your foot. Have your feet measured regularly, as feet tend to grow as people age.
Things You'll Need
- Correct-fitting shoes
- Bunion pads and tape
- Shoe inserts
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
