When the bone at the base of the big toe becomes misaligned, the joint moves out of place, which results in a bunion. This deformity often causes pain, swelling and tenderness. Several self-care measures can help ease the discomfort of this condition but cannot cure it. If you find a bunion interferes with your ability to walk or with day-to-day living, you might require surgical intervention. Consult a physician for a diagnosis of your specific condition.
Step 1
Place a bunion pad over the growth to provide cushioning between the bunion and your shoe. This helps relieve pressure and friction.
Step 2
Wear shoes with a wide toe box and avoid wearing shoes with heels over 2 inches high.
Step 3
Use orthotic inserts to adjust the positioning of your foot and relieve pressure on the bunion. For optimal effectiveness, see a podiatrist or foot and ankle surgeon who can fit you for customized inserts rather than buying an over-the-counter product.
Step 4
Ice the bunion several times a day to relieve pain, swelling and inflammation.
Step 5
Take anti-inflammatory medications. Over-the-counter options include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Your doctor also may give you corticosteroid injections for longer-term relief, although this is not a common a treatment for this condition.
Step 6
Experiment with treatments by a physical therapist. Treatments like ultrasound can relieve pain and address soft-tissue damage in the area.
Things You'll Need
- Bunion pads
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Orthotic shoe inserts
- Ice
