Bunions are fairly common and usually involve swelling, pain and a misalignment (bend) at the base of the big toe. In short, a bunion is a chronic joint sprain that pushes the big toe toward the second toe, compressing the toe and deforming the forefoot. Bunions are often genetically influenced and are more likely to occur in certain types of feet and toes, but are more likely to be caused by wearing narrow-toed, inappropriately sized shoes and/or high heels. Based on the facts, in the United States alone more than women experience bunions. Learning how to treat bunions naturally can help slow their progression and reduce symptoms, while reducing the likelihood of needing more invasive procedures, such as corrective surgery.
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Part 1 of 2: Treating Bunions at Home
Step 1. Wear shoes that fit well
Most cases of bunions occur in women who are used to wearing shoes that are too narrow. Narrow shoes tend to squeeze the toes, especially the big toe, and significantly increase the risk of developing bunions and other foot problems. Switching to shoes with a wider forefoot, good arch support and a shaped foot can help prevent bunions and even hinder their development, but unfortunately cannot fix bunions that have already formed. In other words, change to better shoes before the bunion gets worse and causes significant symptoms.
- If you want to measure your feet at a shoe dealer, do so in the late afternoon because that's when the size of the foot is largest, usually due to swelling and slight compression of the arch of the foot.
- Wearing heels more than 5 cm can force the body to lean forward causing a lot of pressure on the feet and toes and this condition is another risk factor for bunions.
- About 90% of bunion cases in women are caused by choosing the wrong shoes.
Step 2. Control the pain naturally
Apart from the appearance of crooked fingers that compromise the aesthetics of the foot, a major complaint for bunions sufferers is pain when walking (and sometimes even at rest). Usually they describe the pain as a sharp, stabbing sensation (such as an acute joint sprain) or sometimes as a mild, aching sensation (similar to osteoarthritis). That's why it's important to control bunion pain, but you don't need to rely entirely on over-the-counter medications. There are a variety of herbal remedies that can treat pain and swelling including turmeric, cat's claw, ginger root and willow bark. You can consume it directly in capsule form or by brewing it into herbal teas. The effective dose for most herbal remedies is not well established and depends on many factors, such as purity and concentration.
- According to research, turmeric root contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain reliever) properties and can work as well as ibuprofen, but without the side effects. The dosage for turmeric extract ranges from 300-600 mg, taken 3 times a day to treat joint pain.
- Dosages for cat's claw extract range from 30-300 mg per day, and are used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Ginger inhibits COX-2 production and reduces inflammation almost like Celebrex which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. It takes at least 2,000 mg (in divided doses) per day to treat joint pain effectively.
- Willow bark was used in the late 1800s to make acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). The dosage for willow bark extract ranges from 300-500 mg, taken 3 times a day.
- Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. A dose of 1,000 mg, taken 2-3 times a day can significantly reduce inflammation and pain.
- Capsaicin (produced from red chili peppers) reduces a chemical called substance-P, which plays a role in causing the sensation of pain. Capsaicin in the form of a cream is usually applied several times a day for several days to get noticeable results.
Step 3. Use cold therapy
If you notice a red, swollen and painful big toe joint after exercising or working all day at the office, use cold therapy to reduce swelling and numb the pain. Applying ice (or something cold) can basically be an effective natural treatment for musculoskeletal strains or sprains, including bunions, because the cold constricts small blood vessels and reduces the flow of blood and lymph fluid to the injured area. Cold therapy should be applied to the big toe for 10-15 minutes every hour until the pain and swelling subside.
- Remember to always wrap the ice, frozen gel bag or frozen vegetable bag from the freezer in a thin towel to prevent irritation, burning sensation or frostbite on the skin.
- When you apply ice to your toes, elevate your feet on a bench or pile of pillows to help counter the effects of gravity and help relieve swelling.
- Cold therapy is best used for acute injuries or flare ups that involve significant swelling, but is not effective enough to treat chronic joint problems.
Step 4. Consider soaking in salt water
If bunions have been a chronic problem for months or years and tend to be stiff rather than swollen, soaking them in warm water mixed with Epsom salt can relieve symptoms. Warm water will help increase circulation and the abundant magnesium content in salt is very effective for reducing ligament and tendon tension, stiffness and pain in joints. Soak the entire foot for 20 minutes and repeat daily to treat chronic bunions. Soaking your feet in the morning before exercising or going to work is a great way to make bunions more flexible and less bothersome at the end of the day.
- The salt in the soaking water also acts as a natural antiseptic, which helps fight infections associated with abrasions, minor cuts or ingrown toenails. All of that can happen due to bunions.
- Try flexing your injured big toe slowly over and over again as you soak. This can help improve circulation and joint mobility.
- You can add essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus or rosemary extract, to your Epsom salt bath to help relieve symptoms. Arnica tincture can also help relieve acute joint and muscle pain.
Step 5. Apply the splint at night
If your big toe looks crooked and feels uncomfortable, consider using the splint at night as a structural support and leaving it in place while you sleep. Glues a plastic or metal splint around the affected thumb/finger to help reduce pain and realign the joint, depending on how severe the bunion is. The splint for bunions is placed lengthwise above the big toe, so the pressure generated will hopefully help correct a bent finger. However, splints are primarily used as a preventative and are not meant to completely treat bunions. You can get bunion splints at almost any store that sells medical devices or equipment for rehabilitation, but talk to your doctor or podiatrist before deciding to use one.
- Rigid splints are usually considered night splints because they are made of a material that is not flexible and cannot withstand loads.
- Silicone or felt pads worn on your feet or inside your shoes during the day can also relieve the pain of bunions, but it depends on how severe your flexion and joint damage is.
Part 2 of 2: Finding Natural Treatment for Bunions
Step 1. Make an appointment with an osteopath or chiropractor
Osteopaths and chiropractors are joint specialists who focus on establishing normal motion and function of the spinal joints and surrounding joints, such as the toes, naturally. A bent toe caused by a bunion can sometimes be reduced by manual manipulation of the joint, also known as adjustment. Adjustments made to the big toe can potentially reposition the displaced joint and make it straighter. Often you can hear a "popping" sound when the joint adjustment is made, which is normal.
- While one adjustment can sometimes completely realign a joint bent by a mild bunion, it will likely take several adjustments to treat a more severe bunion.
- While adjusting the big toe doesn't always guarantee a reduction in bunion curvature, it can significantly reduce pain and stiffness from the bunion, making the big toe even more functional.
Step 2. Visit a podiatrist
A podiatrist is a foot specialist who can examine the condition of your toes and determine if you have a bunion or if you are at risk for it. Podiatrists usually treat bunions naturally (without medication, injections or surgery) using splints, special splinting techniques and/or the use of orthotics (shoe inserts) made specifically for your foot. Custom made orthotics and orthopedic shoes can be very beneficial because they support the arch of the foot, provide shock absorption, improve foot biomechanics and reduce pressure on the big toe. Orthotics made specifically for your feet can be quite expensive if they are not covered by insurance. So, check your insurance policy before deciding. In addition, there are many shoe inserts sold in the market which are cheaper, but can still provide benefits.
- You may need to buy shoes that are slightly larger than your usual size to allow room to slip an orthotic made specifically for your foot inside the shoe.
- Some doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists can also make orthotics. So you can gather information to find the best price and service.
Step 3. Do a foot massage
Make an appointment with a reputable massage therapist and request a deep tissue massage which also includes a toe and tendon massage. Massage reduces muscle tension, increases joint mobility and promotes better blood circulation. Ask the therapist to start rubbing the toes and then to the calf muscles to help the venous blood and inflammation return to the circulation cycle. Let the therapist massage as far as you can tolerate, especially around the base of the big toe, without having to endure pain. Massage can relieve the symptoms of a bunion, but unfortunately it is not possible to reverse the deformity that has already occurred.
- Start by scheduling a 30-minute foot massage 3 times a week and see how it affects bunion symptoms.
- Don't forget to drink plenty of water after the massage to flush out inflammation-causing byproducts from the body. Otherwise, you may experience a headache or mild nausea.
Step 4. Consider treatment with acupuncture
Acupuncture is the most developed ancient healing art/technique in China. Acupuncture is done by inserting tiny needles into special energy points in the skin to reduce pain and swelling, while stimulating healing. Acupuncture treatment for bunions is not a popular option that most medical professionals would recommend, although some personal reports suggest that acupuncture can help reduce joint pain. Therefore, if you have tried other natural remedies without satisfactory results, maybe acupuncture is worth a try because it is safe and affordable.
- Acupuncture is now being practiced by many general health professionals, such as doctors, chiropractors, naturopaths and massage therapists. Regardless of who you choose, make sure they have certification from the Indonesian Acupuncture Competency Certification Institute (LSKAI).
- The acupuncture points that can relieve pain from bunions are not all located in the area near the big toe where the pain originates. Some points may be far away from other parts of the body.
- Japanese acupuncturists consider bunions to be a continuation of diabetes, or a symptom of an imbalance of sugar in the body. They believe that excess sugar intake causes inflammation, which can lead to bunions.
Tips
- Natural methods for treating bunions can prove to be effective, but if you're not getting the results you hoped for, schedule a visit to your doctor.
- Medical treatment for bunions may include anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen), analgesics (acetaminophen), corticosteroid injections, and various surgical procedures.
- If a callus forms on the bunion, soak the foot in warm water mixed with Epsom salt for 15 minutes (to soften it) and then lightly scrape it off with a pumice stone.
