How to Heal a Bunion

A bunion is a projection on the outside of the big toe caused by a displaced bone between the toe and the first metatarsal. A bunion causes the big toe to turn in the direction of the other toes. The bone displacement can cause metatarsophalangeal joint swelling and sometimes even overgrowth of the bone. If the deformity is allowed to progress, it could cause the toes to overlap, which in turn will cause more friction and increasing pain behind the big toe and can even lead to arthritis.

Pressure and friction can cause the skin covering the bunion to look red and swollen as the joint becomes inflamed. Walking or standing can increase the pressure and cause extreme pain. Trying to relieve the pressure by changing the position of the foot or adjusting gait can cause other complications of the foot, toe and ankle including inflammations in other joints and tendons.

Successful treatment of bunions will relieve pressure on the bunion, eliminate inflammation and stop the progression of the deformity, with the possibility of allowing the toes to realign.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Footstool
• Hot water
• Ice
• Bunion pads
• Toe separators
• Foot bath
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Sandals

At-Home Bunion Treatment

1. Remove shoe and tight-fitting socks.

2. Elevate the foot as often as possible.

3. Pad the bunion to keep the big toe from touching the other toes.

4. Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like aspirin and ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and ease pain.

5. Apply ice to the affected area for up to 20 minutes at a time. Repeat every other hour.

6. Avoid standing for long periods of time and any other activities that increase foot pain.

7. Soak the foot in warm water to decrease severe pain.

8. Choose shoes that don't rub the bunion. The toe of the shoe should be wide and deep, and when you stand there should be 1/2 inch of extra space between the end of the longest toe and the shoe.

9. Do exercises that stretch the Achilles tendon and counteract stress put on the toes.

Professional Help to Heal Bunions

10. Ask your doctor if a shoe insert will reduce the symptoms of the bunion. Sometimes over-the-counter inserts will help to align the big toe, or the doctor may choose to prescribe foot inserts or splints to keep problems from escalating.

11. Ask about physical therapy that can relieve inflammation and pain.

12. Investigate the possibility of ultrasound therapy, as it is often used to treat bunions.

13. Ask if the doctor would advise the administration of cortisone injections that will help to ease pain and inflammation caused by bunions.

14. Discuss the possibility of surgery to relieve the pressure and pain caused by the bunion and to repair the affected toe joint.

References

• Mt. Sinai: Bunions
• altMD Article: Bunions

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.