Find out how to get your bunion pain under control and when to see a podiatrist.

A bunion is a painful foot deformity that warrants turning to a podiatrist to learn how to manage your pain and slow the deformity’s progression. If you suspect you might have a bunion, but you’ve never actually found out, it’s time to turn to a podiatrist to learn more. In the meantime, here’s what you should know about bunion pain and ways to manage it.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is a deformity of the big toe’s joint that causes a large, bony bump to stick out at the edge of the foot at the base of the toe. The bump may become swollen, red or painful, especially when wearing certain shoes.

What Are Some Ways That I Can Manage My Symptoms?

There are ways to slow a bunion’s progress enough that you may never need surgery. If your symptoms are minor, changing your shoes will make a world of difference. Opt for shoes with a wide toe box, don’t put pressure on the bunion, and have a low heel.

Shoes should also provide proper support, and remember—shoes don’t last forever. We know it’s tough to part with them, but if your shoes are worn out, they aren’t giving your feet the stability they need.

Other ways to reduce bunion pain and take pressure off the deformed joint is to,

• Maintain a healthy weight (or lose excess weight)
• Apply a non-medicated bunion pad over the joint before wearing shoes
• Consider using custom orthotics or night splints (talk with your podiatrist first)
• Take NSAID pain relievers when necessary to ease bouts of achiness and throbbing pain
• Apply ice packs to the area or take warm soaks to ease symptoms
• Consider getting regular massages to help boost blood flow

Can I Get Rid of a Bunion?

The simple answer is “yes”. You can get rid of a bunion but only through surgery. Of course, while surgery is usually the last treatment option to consider, this doesn’t necessarily mean that surgery isn’t the right choice for you. You may be a good candidate for bunion surgery if,

• Your bunion doesn’t respond to home treatment
• Bunion pain is severe and chronic
• Your bunion affects your daily routine and quality of life

Don’t let bunion pain impact your life and daily routine. A podiatrist can map out a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and activities to help you better control your pain and get back to what you love doing.

Have you been diagnosed with a bunion? A bunion is a common foot deformity that if left untreated can cause significant pain, swelling, structural changes and even trouble walking. Of course, it’s important to prevent a bunion from getting to this point, and the best way to do that is to turn to a podiatrist for a tailored-to-you treatment plan. The good news is that there are also some simple lifestyle changes you can make right now to slow the progress of your bunion.

• Icing the bunion for 15-20 minutes at a time to ease pain and swelling. This can be done 3-4 times a day, every day, as needed.
• Taking an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen that can reduce inflammation and pain (while medication only provides temporary relief, when you are in pain, this medication can certainly help)
• Stretching out the foot with special mobility exercises for the feet and ankles (ask your podiatrist or simply search online for some of the best foot stretches to ease bunion stiffness)
• Wearing proper footwear that provides the ideal cushioning, fit, and support
• Avoiding high heels, shoes that put pressure on the bunion, and shoes with a pointed toe
• Getting custom orthotics from a podiatrist (these custom-made shoe inserts can provide additional support for the deformed joint)

If you’re dealing with a bunion then you know that this pain is no joke. If you’re dealing with a throbbing, aching pain at the base of your big toe then you could very well be dealing with a bunion. This problem, a common complaint among women, usually develops gradually over many years so many people don’t even realize that they have a bunion until symptoms start to appear. While a bunion will not go away without surgery, the good news is that a podiatrist is usually all you need to manage your symptoms without resorting to surgery. Here are some ways to effectively manage your bunions:

• Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to help with pain and swelling
• Ice the bunion for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day to also alleviate pain and swelling (conversely, you may choose to soak your bunion in warm water to ease symptoms)
• Consider getting prescription orthotics (shoe inserts) to place within your shoes to take the pressure off the deformed joint and to reduce pain with walking or standing
• Wear a night splint, which will straighten out the big toe while you sleep to reduce morning pain and stiffness
• Only wear shoes that have a wide toe box that doesn’t put pressure on the bunion. Avoid high heels and shoes with pointed toes.
• Perform stretching exercises every day to alleviate stiffness and to improve mobility and range of motion within the feet
• Apply a non-medicated pad over the bunion before putting on shoes to prevent friction and the formation of a callus