A bunion, medically named hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. A bunion occurs when bone or tissue at the front part of your foot moves out of place, causing the top of your big toe to get pulled toward your smaller toes. This also forces the joint at the base of your big toe to protrude. Bunion makes your skin over it red and sore.
Whether you developed bunion from wearing those pretty but poorly fitted shoes or neuromuscular condition, you can get rid of it by practicing some at-home treatment tips given below.
Tip #1 Soak Your Feet In Footbath
Soaking your feet in the water a few times a week can help reduce pain and inflammation. You can also add Epsom salt in warm water. The magnesium in salt can help stave off soreness and soothe your bunion.
Tip #2 Use Ice For Your Feet
Icing your bunion can relieve soreness and swelling if your bunion becomes inflamed or if you’ve been on your feet too long. Avoid putting ice directly on your skin. Wrap the ice pack in a towel before putting it on your bunion. Keeping your foot elevated during icing can also play a key role in reducing swelling.
Check with your doctor before applying ice if you have circulation problems.
Tip #3 Use Bunion Pads
Over-the-counter bunion cushions or pads may be helpful. These bunion pads act as a buffer between your shoe and foot, thus helping ease your pain. You can buy a gel-filled or moleskin pad at any nearby drugstore.
Tip #4 Take Medications
If your pain is not going away with icing and using pads, take over the counter NSAIDs to control the pain of your bunion. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and acetaminophen might help. If NSAIDs fail to provide relief, you can use cortisone injections.
Tip #5 Use Shoe Inserts
Using shoe inserts can reduce your symptoms and prevent your bunion from getting worse. These inserts help distribute pressure evenly when you move your feet. While some people get relief from over-the-counter shoe inserts, others may require prescription orthotic devices.
Tip #6 Exercise Your Feet
Having weak foot muscles is associated with the walking problem and more pain in people with bunions. You can do the following easy exercises to strengthen your foot muscles.
- Keeping your heel and ball of the foot (forefoot) on the floor, lift your toes up for five seconds, and release.
- With your heels and forefoot on the floor, lift your toes up and spread them apart. Now reach the little toe toward the floor and move your big toe toward your foot’s inside. Hold on for five seconds and release.
- With your feet on the floor, try bending your knees and lifting your heels up while pressing down with your big toe. Hold on in this position for five seconds and release.
Tip #6 Massage Your Foot
Massaging your foot and manually moving your big toe around can keep your tissue soft and toe flexible. Rolling a tennis ball under your foot also massages your foot and strengthens its muscles.
Tip #7 Maintain a Healthy Weight
With every step, your body puts weight on your feet. Being overweight puts more pressure on your foot and big toe joint, thus increasing the chance of developing bunion and making it worse. Losing weight can reduce additional pressure on your big toe joint and reduce symptoms.
Bunions Treatment near Me in South Texas
If your pain and swelling due to bunion are not going away with at-home treatment and are in search of a reliable podiatrist in South Texas, visit us here at The Podiatry Group of South Texas.
Our board-certified podiatrists pride themselves on their commitment that goes beyond providing top-notch care for your foot and ankle conditions. Our providers are trained to use the most advanced method to improve foot health and treat conditions.
To schedule a consultation with our podiatrist, call us today at our podiatry clinic nearest you or fill out the appointment request form.
