Bunions occur when the tissue or bone in the big toe gradually starts to grow in the direction of the other toes. The resulting misalignment causes a painful bump to form at the base of the joint of the big toe. Ill-fitting shoes can cause bunions, as can the way you walk, the shape of your foot and injuries to the foot. While it is difficult to cure bunions without surgery, there are many things you can do to ease the pain associated with this condition.
Toe Separator
Make a toe separator to keep your toes from bumping into one another. Dr. Rick Allen, a chiropractor in Portland, Oregon, says that you can make your own toe separator using a small 1/4-inch thick piece of polyurethane foam. Place the foam between your big toe and second toe and tape in place.
Reduce Inflammation
Apply an ice pack to your foot to ease the pain of bunions, suggests MayoClinic.com. Icing your bunion up to three times a day will reduce swelling and inflammation. You can also take an anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to reduce the swelling and inflammation in your foot, says the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Ibuprofen may be dangerous to people with certain medical conditions, so consult your doctor before use.
Bunion Pads and Taping
Apply a bunion pad over the affected area to reduce the pain. You can also tape the foot to keep the foot in the correct position. While holding the toe in the correct position will not cause the toe to grow straight, it will ease the pressure between the toes. Bunions are a progressive problem that tends to worsen with time.
Shoes
Wearing the proper shoes will go a long way toward relieving bunion pain. Choose shoes that have a wide toe box to prevent your shoes from rubbing against the bunion. If one foot is naturally larger than the other, choose shoes that fit the larger foot. You can also purchase shoes made with spandex designed to stretch with your foot and reduce pressure on the bunion.
Socks
The Foot and Ankle Center of Washington says that choosing the right socks is an important part of easing bunion pain. Avoid socks with seams that run alongside the big toe, and make sure that your socks are padded to protect the bunion from rubbing against your shoe.
Shoe Inserts
A shoe insert may help relieve the pain of bunions. Arch supports help bunions by changing foot position to ease pressure off the bunion. While a custom made arch support may work best, you can also purchase low-cost arch supports at most drugstores. A padded shoe insert known as an orthotic can regulate the movement of the foot and can keep bunions from getting worse.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, while pads, taping and other home remedies may help alleviate pain, it is important to seek treatment for bunions before they worsen to the point where you require surgery.
References
- Foot and Ankle Treatment Center of Washington: Home Treatment Tips for Bunions
- Mayo Clinic: Lifestyle and Home Remedies: Bunions
- American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons: Bunions
- American Podiatric Medical Association: Bunions
- Cascade Wellness Clinic: Bunions and Hallux Valgus
- Medline Plus: Ibuprofen
