A bunion is a bony prominence that forms at the joint at the bottom of the big toe. Bunions are formed due to wearing shoes that are too narrow, an injury, or a person's inherited bone structure that pushes the big toe against the other toes. Over time, the thumb enlarges and becomes painful, which can make it difficult to exercise and walk. This article discusses lifestyle changes, home remedies, and medical treatments for bunions.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Do leg exercises
Exercise can help slow or even stop the development of bunions, thereby preventing the need for surgery. Try the following exercises every day, especially after taking off your shoes:
- Stretch your thumb. Use your fingers to pull your thumb into the correct position with the rest of the fingers.
- Stretch your toes. Point straight ahead for 10 seconds, then bend down for 10 seconds. Repeat this movement several times.
- Flex your toes. Press your toes into the floor or wall until they bend back. Hold for 10 seconds, then straighten. Repeat this movement several times.
- Pinch objects with your toes. Practice picking up a piece of clothing or a towel with your toes, removing it, then picking it up again.
Step 2. Wear bunion pads or shoe pads to straighten your toes
If you notice a bunion early on, a bunion pad purchased at the pharmacy or drug store can help reduce pain and get your thumb back into position. Special shoe soles can also help straighten your toes when you wear shoes.
Step 3. Plaster the foot and toes in a straight and normal position
The toes will adapt to their normal position after being plastered for a week or two. Ask your doctor for help to do this step.
Step 4. Relieve the pain
Exercising the feet and toes is a good step, but the cause of the bunion must be treated. Relieve foot pain using the following methods:
- Soak the feet in warm water. Prepare a basin of warm water and soak your feet for twenty minutes. The warmth of the water will relax the joints and temporarily relieve the pain.
- Use ice packs. For very severe pain, using ice packs is a good option. Fill a plastic bag with ice cubes and wrap it in a thin towel. Place a pack of ice cubes on your feet for 20 minutes, several times a day.
- Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain.
Step 5. To treat mild to moderate bunions, flexible bunion splints such as “Bunion Aid” have been scientifically proven to effectively correct bunions and relieve pain
Method 2 of 3: Overcoming Very Severe Bunions
Step 1. Consult a doctor
If you experience pain that seems to be getting worse, or if your feet no longer fit in your shoes, talk to your doctor right away. It's possible to slow or stop bunion progression, but you can't really treat it yourself.
Step 2. Take a prescription pain medication
In some cases, the doctor will suggest lifestyle changes and prescribe medication to relieve pain. To prevent bunions from getting worse, be sure to follow your doctor's advice.
Step 3. Consider having surgery
As a last resort, consider surgery to remove the bunion, scrape the bone growing in the thumb, and align the thumb with the other fingers. Bunion surgery is common and is considered to be the only cure for bunions.
- There are several options for performing a bunionectomy. Do some research with your doctor to find the best option for you.
- Surgery usually helps with bunions, but doesn't guarantee that you'll be completely pain free, or that your thumb will appear completely straight.
- Undergo surgery with the right lifestyle changes and exercise to prevent pain and inflammation in the future.
Method 3 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Go barefoot
Whether it's because you inherited a tendency to get bunions from one of your parents or from wearing tight shoes for a long time, spending as much time as possible walking barefoot can prevent and even cure bunions. Walking barefoot can strengthen the leg muscles and help the bones return to their natural, non-conforming positions.
- However, if the bunion is enlarged and very painful, walking barefoot will only make things worse. If this is the case, walk barefoot on thick carpeted floors. In addition, wear padded socks when walking around the house and doing daily activities.
- Wearing thick, comfortable sandals at home is another option to help reduce bunion pain without putting pressure on your feet while wearing shoes.
Step 2. Pay attention to whether the shoes make the bunion worse or not
You might think your shoes are comfortable and good for your feet, but tennis shoes and other sports shoes can make bunions worse. Wear supportive shoes with a good base and arch form. If you are in doubt about the type of shoe to buy, ask your doctor for advice.
- Make sure the shoes you wear are the right size. Wearing shoes that are too small can make bunions worse. When wearing shoes, the thumb never touches the toe of the shoe. Use it this way: make sure there's enough space for your thumb between the tip of your thumb and the back of the shoe.
- Don't wear high heels or pointy-toed shoes. Shoes like that are beautiful, but high heels and pointy-toed shoes make bunions worse. Shoes like this add to the pain and make bunions difficult to heal. Wear sandals with limited frequency if possible.
Step 3. Avoid activities that trigger bunions
Ballet dancing and other activities that require shoes to shrivel up can trigger bunions. If it is impossible to perform an activity in shoes that are healthier for your feet, avoid the activity.
Tips
- Flexible bunion splints such as the “Bunion-Aid” can realign the thumb and maintain leg movement. Bunion splints are also used after bunion surgery to treat thumb surgery healing and protect rough tissue.
- Night bunion splints, which are worn on the fingers and toes at night, can prevent bunion development from getting worse in children by correcting bone growth. Because the adult foot is fully formed, night splints are not effective for treating bunions in adults.
