It’s hard to miss the telltale signs of bunions — a lump on the side of your foot where the big toe attaches. This deformity develops over time and causes the toe to start bending toward your other toes instead of pointing straight ahead.
But that’s not the only sign of this problem; they can also cause significant discomfort.
Unfortunately, the only way to truly correct a bunion involves surgery, during which we remove swollen tissue and realign bones in your foot to correct the position of the big toe.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t conservative options to help keep you more comfortable — and some can even keep your bunions from worsening.
Our team at Premier Foot and Ankle Center has the skills and expertise to treat bunions at every stage. If you have bunions causing pain, here are five treatments you can try at home.
One of the first places to start increasing your comfort involves the shoes you wear. While bunions tend to run in families, they can also develop because of the shoes you wear, especially if you’re a fan of high heels.
But the deformity this condition causes can also make it challenging to find shoes that fit properly.
If you have bunions, we recommend looking for shoes with wide insteps, soft soles, and plenty of space in the toe box. To ensure the best fit, shop for shoes late in the day when your feet are often the most swollen.
Never underestimate the benefits that come with a nice warm foot soak, massage or foot spa, and ice packs. Making time during each day for these treatments may seem self-indulgent, but they can actually relieve inflammation, tenderness, and swelling.
These self-care remedies are generally safe for everyone but talk to your doctor beforehand if you have conditions affecting circulation or feeling in your feet, like diabetes.
Do you have bunion pain and irritation while walking around? Whether you’re barefoot or wearing shoes, you can add some padding to cushion the joint.
And, depending on the option you choose, they can also add space between your big and second toes at the same time, helping to improve alignment.
We can offer personalized suggestions on the best type of bunion padding, from moleskin that prevents friction to gel-based covers that relieve pressure and improve comfort while walking.
Believe it or not, products like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen sodium are for more than headaches — they can also ease bunion pain. These over-the-counter medications can reduce inflammation and pain when you suffer from occasional flare-ups.
But if you want relief for chronic bunion pain, corticosteroid injections can provide longer-lasting results.
Finally, if bunion pain is slowing you down, it’s worth scheduling a consultation with a specialist. One highly effective treatment that can significantly ease bunion discomfort involves custom-made shoe orthotics.
Unlike mass-produced products, our team makes inserts designed specifically for your feet. These inserts evenly distribute pressure whenever you move your feet, which not only eases bunion symptoms but keeps them from getting worse at the same time.
The most important thing to remember? Bunion pain doesn’t have to slow you down. If you have discomfort or pain, we can help, even when conservative treatments fall short.
Are you ready to find solutions for your bunions? Contact Premier Foot and Ankle Center in Worcester or Webster, Massachusetts, to learn more today.
