Sandals season is fast approaching and the obsession with comfy feet is at its peak.
Unless you go barefoot all the time it's tough to ignore a bunion.The joint at the base of the big toe carries much of your weight while walking.
Having bunions may keep you from doing the things you enjoy or wearing your favourite shoes so taking care of a bunion is most important.
Big toe problems: Bunions are caused by abnormal tissue and bone growth adjacent to the big toe. A bunion forms when the big toe pushes against the next toe forcing the joint of the big toe to get bigger and stick out.
Bunions may also develop as a result of an inherited structural defect or a medical condition such as arthritis. Also, stress on the foot from wearing tight narrow shoes might contribute to bunion formation.
Bunions can be quite painful and the pain can be either intermittent or constant. Other symptoms include swelling, redness or soreness around the big toe and restricted movement of the toe. The joint may become so stiff or sore that shoes may be too painful to wear.
There may be thickening of the skin at the base of the toe and corns or calluses where the toes overlap.
Self-Care Options: DIY care is a temporary solution for managing bunions. Such care will not get rid of a bunion but may help alleviate pain or slow down progression by improving the mechanics of the foot.
Below are 6 self-care or DIY interventions that can help make bunion related foot pain more comfortable.
Proper footwear: Choose your footwear wisely, this is probably one of the most important things you can do to prevent a bunion. Never wear shoes that are too tight or too small, that cause cramp or irritate your toes.
Your shoes should provide plenty of space, particularly for your toes. Also, proper fitting shoes should conform to the shape of your feet without squeezing or pressing any parts. Just remember to always wear comfortable shoes, making sure they are wide enough to not put added pressure on a bunion.
Shoe inserts. Wearing orthotic shoe inserts can be helpful. Typically orthotics can correct the way you walk usually arch supports will do the trick. In some situations, over-the-counter arch supports can provide relief but sometimes prescription orthotics are required. Padded shoe inserts can help distribute pressure evenly when you move your feet, reducing symptoms and preventing a bunion from getting worse.
Control inflammation: Red inflamed bunions can cause excruciating discomfort. After you've been on your feet for long periods try applying some ice or an ice cold compress to the bunion this can help relieve soreness and inflammation.
Protecting Bunions: Using a bunion pad when you're wearing shoes can cushion the bony area of your foot. As well bracing, taping or splinting your foot into a normal position can reduce stress on the bunion and alleviate pain.
- Medication therapy: Anti-inflammatory medications help to soothe foot pain associated with bunions. An over-the-counter pain reliever like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen can help manage pain and swelling. Consult with your physician regarding any meds you wish to take.
Other treatment options: You can seek care from a podiatrist foot specialist. The podiatrist can administer steroid injections to control inflammation and pain as well as prescribe orthotic shoe inserts.
However, if left untreated a bunion can cause not only serious foot pain but other foot problems. Surgery may be your only option depending on the severity of your condition. Surgical intervention can help relieve your symptoms as the goal of surgery is to return the big toe to its correct position.