A bunion is a sometimes painful, fluid-filled sack on the side of the large toe. Usually the result of too-tight shoes or just unfortunate genes, the pad of the toe can become swollen and stick out to the side of the toe, a telltale sign of a bunion. Symptoms can be managed so your bunion is less pronounced. However, if your bunion causes you daily pain or is worsening, bunion surgery, also known as a bunionectomy, may be necessary.
Step 1
Visit a shoe store that specializes in comfortable and supportive footwear. While pointy heels or sporty shoes may look fashionable, they can make your bunion swell and become more painful. Have a retail associate measure your foot at the end of the day, when your feet are naturally swollen and at their largest. Choose shoes with plenty of room in the toe; make sure you can wiggle your toes to know you have the right fit.
Step 2
Place comfortable shoe inserts into your existing shoes. Shoe inserts provide added padding that controls the movement of the toe, notes MayoClinic.com. This prevents your bunion from getting worse and adds comfort. You can purchase shoe inserts from the drugstore, but if your bunion is severe, your doctor may prescribe bunion shoe orthotics to reduce your symptoms and the swelling of your toe.
Step 3
Wear spacers between your first and second toe at night to relieve some of the swelling associated with a bunion, suggests MedlinePlus. This allows your toe to maintain proper position at night to alleviate some of the pain associated with a bunion.
Step 4
Schedule an appointment with your doctor if simple lifestyle remedies don't affect your bunion, or your bunion gets worse. If a bunion is interfering with your daily life, surgical removal may be your best option. Depending on the method of removal your doctor chooses, she may decide to have an orthopedic surgeon remove a portion of bone to remove the bump, attempt to drain the swelling from the toe or try to realign the big toe by shortening loose tendons, notes the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.
Step 5
Follow your doctor's directions regarding the healing process after having a bunion removed. If you continue to wear cramped footwear, you might cause even more damage to the toe. Instead, stay off your toe for a few days, apply ice and wear wide, supportive shoes to help heal your incisions and stop your bunion from returning.
Things You'll Need
- Wide shoes
- Bunion pad
- Toe separator
