A bunion is a hard bump that develops on the inside edge of the big toe. This bump causes the joint to enlarge, putting pressure on all toes. As a result, the big toe is thrust forward, causing redness, pain, skin thickening, calluses and restriction of movement. Common causes of bunions include wearing high-heeled or tight shoes, hereditary, injuries to the foot, or congenital deformities. Because bunions can affect your quality of life, it is important to understand how to reduce them.
Step 1
Place padded orthotics or shoe inserts into your shoes to help reduce the bunion and prevent it from worsening. According to the MayoClinic.com, shoe inserts can help align your feet, keeping them from making any abnormal movements.
Step 2
Wear spacers, foam pads that help hold apart the first and second toes, at bedtime. Although these are available at most drug stores, you can also cut a hole in the top of an old pair of shoes for a similar effect. These types of devices can help reduce pain and pressure on the bunion.
Step 3
Apply a cold compress, such as an ice pack, to the bunion three times a day. This can help reduce swelling.
Step 4
Swallow a pain reliever such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen to help reduce bunion inflammation and pain. A doctor can also inject the site with cortisone for faster results.
Tips and Warnings
- To prevent the formation of bunions, the MayoClinic.com suggests wearing comfortable shoes that fit properly. Make sure that they do not cramp your toes, that there is space between the top of the shoe and your longest toe and that the shoes comfortably conform to your foot shape. If home treatments prove ineffective, there are many surgical options that can be helpful. A doctor can remove part of the bone to straighten out the big toe, join the affected bones permanently or remove any swollen tissue surrounding the joint of the big toe.
- MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, warns that bunions left untreated can result in severe pain or even deformity. Consult a doctor if your bunion get worse even after home remedies, prevents you from daily activities or shows signs of an infection, such as swelling or redness.
Things You'll Need
- Padded orthotics
- Toe spacers
- Ice pack
- Ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen
