Do you have a bunion? Chances are, if you're reading this, the answer is yes. And if you're like most people with bunions, you probably don't know what to do about them. Fear not – I'm here to help! In this post, I'll talk about six different ways to treat a bunion. So read on and find the treatment that's right for you!
Bunions are a common foot condition that occurs when the big toe joint becomes enlarged and protrudes outwards. This can cause the surrounding bones to become misaligned, resulting in pain, redness, and swelling. Left untreated, bunions can eventually lead to arthritis.
There are several ways to treat bunions, depending on the severity of the condition. For milder cases, over-the-counter pain relievers and orthotic devices can help alleviate symptoms. More severe cases may require surgery.
If you're dealing with a bunion, there are a few things you can do to help ease the pain and prevent the condition from getting worse. Here are some tips:
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes
Avoid high heels or tight-fitting shoes that put pressure on the big toe joint. Mesh materials are forgiving and tend to be more comfortable for your bunion, but you can always purchase a shoe stretcher to give your bunion a little more wiggle room.
- Wear a custom orthotic
Unfortunately, a bunion will not go away without surgery, but we can slow down the progression. A custom orthotic is designed to your foot and will keep everything in proper alignment to prevent the bunion from becoming worse. For more information on orthotics, check out this article.
- Use an over-the-counter pain reliever
Advil or Tylenol are the usual go-to options to help reduce pain and inflammation. If you prefer to avoid oral medications, you can use a topical pain reliever called Soothe. Soothe is a pain-relieving stick that contains 1000mg of CBD, arnica, eucalyptus, and lavender oils. This ultra-potent combination will reduce pain for a minimum of 4 hours.
- Apply ice to the area
Do this for 20 minutes several times a day to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Soak your foot in warm water
This will help reduce any swelling. Using an Epsom salt soak, such as Relax, can also help reduce inflammation.
- Stretch and massage your foot
This helps reduce pain and improve range of motion. You can find stretching examples here.
- Over-the-counter comfort items
There are plenty of little gadgets and gizmos out there to help make your bunion more comfortable while wearing shoes. Our favorites are metatarsal cushion straps and toe buddies. The metatarsal cushion strap is just a little slip-on cushion to prevent your bunion from rubbing against your shoes and causing pain. A toe buddy is a small silicon apparatus that separates your big toe and second toe. This prevents them from rubbing together and causing painful calluses or ingrown toenails.
If you are still in pain after trying these treatments, it may be time to consider surgery. We know surgery sounds scary, but it doesn’t have to be. There are new minimally invasive procedures that require minimal stitches and only local anesthesia. You will need little to no time off work and will be back on your feet in no time!
If you have a bunion that is causing you pain, it's important to call us at or schedule an appointment online so we can properly diagnose the condition and recommend the best treatment plan. With proper care, bunions can be managed and the pain kept under control.