Bunions are bony bumps that develop on the joint of the big toe. Because they progress slowly over time, bunions may only cause occasional or mild discomfort initially. As they progress, they can begin to affect your daily routine, making it challenging to do normal tasks. The pain is usually made worse by pressure from footwear and can cause stiffness in your big toe. In more advanced cases, bunions can even cause your big toe to cross over the second toe.

What causes bunions?

Bunions may be caused by faulty mechanics, inflammatory conditions, structural deformities, trauma or genetics. Poorly fitted shoes can cause progression of bunions or exacerbation of symptoms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do I ease bunion pain?

While bunions cannot be reversed, there are many ways to ease bunion pain and slow the progression. You can try these easy 5 at-home remedies to ease bunion pain:

1. Protect the bunion bump with moleskin or gel-filled pads when wearing shoes. This will alleviate the pressure on the joint and lessen the pain.
2. Custom foot orthotics, especially those recommended by your podiatrist, paired with well-fitting shoes will allow your feet to rest comfortably and will make a day on your feet much easier.
3. If you’ve just spent the day on your feet, ice, rest and elevation can relieve pain and inflammation. Alternatively, you can treat yourself to an Epsom salt soak after a long day on your feet.
4. Over the counter anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen, can reduce the inflammation in the affected joints.
5. Finding shoes with a wide and tall toebox can relieve bunion pain— your podiatrist will be able to help you find the best pair of shoes for you.

Let us restore your balance.

If all else fails, our trusted team of board-certified podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle can work with you to find the right treatment for you and your lifestyle.

Schedule your appointment today!