Bunions are boney bumps that develop at the base of the big toe, very commonly caused by ill-fitting shoes. High heels and those with a narrow toe box tend to push the big toe towards the rest of the toes and move it out of alignment, causing the joint to stick out. Flat feet and arthritis can also increase your risk of developing bunions.
Bunions can be very painful for some people, while for others it’s merely a cosmetic issue. If you want relief from bunion symptoms, there are several home remedies you can try.
Change Your Footwear
The shoes that cause bunions can also exacerbate bunion pain. You may want to switch to more comfortable footwear with a wider toe box and materials that cushion your feet. Avoid high-heeled shoes with a narrow toe box. The goal here is to reduce pressure on your big toe by wearing shoes that allow your feet to keep their natural shape. This also goes for slippers you wear at home. Opt for roomy ones that are made of soft material.
Apply Ice
Ice helps control swelling and reduces pain. Ice has a numbing effect that can give you relief from bunion pain. Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes intervals a few times a day or when you feel pain.
Protect The Bunion
Preventing the bunion from rubbing against anything will prevent it from worsening. For this, you can get bunion gel pads, which can be worn in shoes. They cushion the bunion and relieve pressure on it. Another product to try is bunion sleeves. These are made of soft, breathable fabric with a cushion for the bunion. They can also be worn with shoes.
Use Bunion Splints
If bunion pain keeps you up at night, you can try using bunion splints. Splints wrap around your foot and keep the toes in proper alignment. Bunion splints are best used at night since they are made of thicker material compared to bunion sleeves and cannot be worn with shoes.
Use Toe Spacers
Toe spacers are made of soft cushioning materials that are placed between the big toe and second toe. They keep the big toe in proper alignment and relieve bunion pain.
Home remedies are for immediate and temporary bunion pain relief. If you want lasting relief from bunion pain, make an appointment with a podiatrist or foot and ankle specialist who can offer you a variety of long-term treatments.
Podiatrist in Naples, FL
Our podiatrist at the Joint Replacement Institute, Dr. Cody Togher, uses a variety of methods to help our patients experience lasting relief from bunion pain. Custom orthotics, which are created specifically for each patient, are very effective at relieving bunion pain. Dr. Weaver is also highly skilled in bunion surgery to restore normal alignment to the big toe. Whatever treatment she recommends, Dr. Weaver makes sure you are well-informed about it and have everything you need to maximize your recovery.
For all your podiatry needs, call Joint Replacement Institute at (239) 261-2663, or use our online request form. Our friendly staff looks forward to your call.
