Bunions can cause a lot of pain, they can ache, affect your mobility, and negatively impact your quality of life. Surgery is the only way to remove bunions but there are many non-invasive treatments and tips that can provide relief from your bunion-related symptoms. In this article, we'll tell you about remedies for bunions, and offer ways to reduce or even get rid of bunion pain and improve your feet. We recommend using a combination of these tips to provide the most relief for your bunion pain.
Here are the Top 6 Non-Surgical Tips to Relieve Bunion Pain –
Choose the Right Shoes for your Foot – This is a big one and we can help you with finding the right shoes for your feet at Your Best Toe (www.yourbesttoe.com). If you have bunions, choosing footwear that is wide enough in the toe box and does not rub is crucial for bunion pain relief. Shoes with a wide toe box reduce pressure on the bunion area. Look for styles with cushioning and arch support to provide stability and alleviate discomfort. Check out our Shoe Reviews to search for Bunion Friendly shoes. Use the filters at the top of this section to find reviews for “Shoes Available in Wide” and “Bunion Friendly Shoes.”
Foot Massage - Bunions have trigger points that cause muscles to shorten. Massaging the area around the bunion can help to stretch the surrounding muscles and relieve some pain. Therapeutic massage for bunions will include massaging the calf and shins, the arch of your foot and the long bones of your big toe and second toe (first and second metatarsal). Massaging will help increase blood flow and foot mobility around the area of the bunion. Check out our blog post to learn five simple foot massage techniques that will only take you minutes and provide you with bunion pain relief. Five Foot Massage Techniques to Help with Discomfort from Bunions, Flat Feet and Wide Feet
Custom Orthotics or Orthotic Inserts - Custom orthotics are made specifically for your foot and foot condition. They can be pricey but because they are specific to you, they can help address the underlying biomechanical issues contributing to your bunion formation. Over-the-counter orthotic inserts are less expensive but can be an effective solution to provide support and proper alignment for your feet by redistributing pressure away from the bunion joint. I started using custom orthotics for my flat feet and bunions years ago when I was having a lot of pain. By combining flexible custom orthotics and the correct shoes for my feet, I now rarely have bunion pain. Consult with a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist to determine the best type of orthotic for your specific foot issues.
Bunion Exercise or Foot Stretches – There are many exercises and stretches that can help strengthen the muscles around the bunion joint and improve flexibility. Towel curls, Toe spread out and marble pick up are examples of simple exercises that can help reduce bunion pain and promote better foot function. Incorporate these simple exercises into your daily routine to strengthen your feet and see the results of reduced bunion pain.
Towel Curls - Grip a small towel with your toes and curl your toes under or inward. Only use your toes to curl the towel. Repeat this motion building up to doing towel curls for up to five minutes with each foot.
Toe Spread Out - While sitting, place your foot on the floor. With your heel fixed to the ground, lift, and spread your toes. Repeat this exercise 10 to 20 times on each foot.
Marble Pick Up - Start with a bowl and 10 to 20 marbles. Place the marbles and bowl on the floor and sit with your feet on the ground. With your toes, pick up each marble and place it in a bowl. Make sure to grip the marble using mostly your toes.
Ice Therapy – An easy way to temporarily relieve bunion pain is applying ice packs or cold therapy to the bunion area. The cold can help reduce inflammation and numb the bunion pain. The best way to apply ice is to wrap a cold pack in a thin cloth and apply it to the bunion for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Ice therapy can feel great for aching feet and bunions and provide temporary relief from bunion and other foot related pain.
Bunion Pads or Cushions – I’ve had some relief from bunion pain using bunion pads and cushions to create a barrier between the bunion and the shoe, but not much. The purpose of these products is to relieve pain and reduce friction and pressure. Usually if I need to wear bunion pads or cushions it’s a short-term fix and my shoes don’t fit correctly. Bunion pads are usually sock-like and cover most of the foot. Bunion cushions are small, mainly oval shaped and only cover the bunion. You can use either pads or cushions before putting on your shoes to provide a barrier between the bunion and your shoe. This is an option for shoes you already have that irritate your bunion, but the best solution is choosing the right shoes for your foot.
Bunion pain can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life, but there are many things you can do to reduce or get rid of the pain and promote foot health. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can find relief from bunion-related symptoms and improve overall comfort. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
Comments