5 Things You Need to Know About Bunions

1. Bunions Aren't Beautiful

Bunions make the big toe point towards the second toe, instead of pointing straight out. This awkward angle causes a big bump to stick out of the side of the foot. That "bump" is a bunion. It's actually a case of the big toe joints becoming misaligned. The bones of the big toe normally align with the large bone of the foot. When a bunion develops, the large foot bone starts to angle outwardly, away from the toes, pushing the big toe bones in the opposite direction. The resulting crooked big toe is not only unsightly, it's painful.

2. Bumbling Bunion Walk

Foot pain caused by bunions makes walking a bumbling, painful struggle. The pain often radiates from the side of the foot, through the big toe and across the smaller toes, causing your whole foot to become sore. And speaking of walking, many experts say that wearing shoes that are too tight can actually cause bunions to form. Your shoes should have plenty of room through the toe area. For healthy fit, you should be able to wiggle your toes inside your shoes. Proper shoe sizing leads to comfortable walking and preventing bunions in the first place. Your feet have a tendency to spread out as you age, so have your feet sized periodically.

3. And it Doesn't Stop There

Bunions also cause inflammation and redness of the skin. Some people experience numbness in the toes and foot. Burning sensations come and go in many cases. And the fun doesn't end there. Bunions cause other problems to form in many cases. Bunions often accompany a corn or callous on the big toe. Because the toes squash together, sores sometimes develop between the toes. And to top it all off, an ingrown toenail often forms due to the pressure exerted by the bunion bump.

4. Soothe the Sore

Some simple home remedies soothe a sore bunion. Walk barefoot as much as possible, especially around the house. Just letting your foot relax and allowing the toes to spread out relieves the tension and pressure on the bunion. Also, soak your foot in a foot bath. A mixture of warm water and Epsom salts provides soothing relief. Here's a simple exercise that relieves bunion pain: Place a bottle on the floor and roll the balls of your feet back and forth across the bottle. Ice packs often grant relief, too.

5. Treatment for Bunions

Try putting a pad over the bunion to cushion it when you're wearing shoes. Bunion pads are available at drug stores. Take an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen to relieve pain and swelling. In more severe cases, corticosteroids injections given by a doctor are necessary to gain relief. This is usually only recommended when the pain and swelling greatly hinder walking. In the most severe cases where it hampers daily life and activities, surgery is a last resort.