Bunions are bony growths that develop on the joint where the big toe meets the foot. As the bunion grows, increasing pressure forces the big toe joint outward, causing the big toe to point in and crowd other toes on the same foot. The result is pain when walking and wearing shoes. Structural defects and wearing tight shoes are the most common causes of bunions. Treatment focuses on relieving pain, reducing pressure and removing the bunion surgically when necessary.
Step 1
Apply a bunion pad around the bony growth to reduce pressure and prevent worsening of your symptoms. Ice packs and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can ease pain while you are waiting for medical evaluation and treatment.
Step 2
Use a splint at night to correct the bone abnormality causing your bunion. Night splints are more effective for removing bunions and permanently altering the position of the toe in adolescents than in adults.
Step 3
Undergo surgery to remove the bunion from your foot. The type of surgery you need depends on the underlying cause of your bunion. Your doctor may remove swollen tissue from around the joint, remove a section of bone from your big toe to straighten it, realign your metatarsal bone to correct structural deformities, or permanently join together the bones near the affected joint.
Step 4
Follow your doctor's instructions as to when you can resume normal activity. In some cases, you may be able to walk immediately following your surgery, according to MayoClinic.com, but some surgical procedures for bunions require eight or more weeks of recovery time.
Step 5
Wear proper fitting shoes that are wide in the toe area following surgery to prevent recurrence. Do not wear high-heeled shoes, especially when the heels are higher than 2.25 inches.
Things You'll Need
- Bunion pad
- Ice pack
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
