Stretch your big toe. Use your fingers to pull your big toe into proper alignment with the rest of your toes. Stretch the rest of your toes. Simply point them straight ahead for 10 seconds, then curl them under for 10 seconds. Repeat several times. Flex your toes. Press your toes against the floor or a wall until they are bent back. Hold them for 10 seconds, then release. Repeat several times. Grip with your toes. Practice picking up an article of clothing or a towel with your toes, dropping it, then picking it up again.
Bunions are caused by a genetic abnormality in your foot where the first long bone shifts inward. However, this can be aggravated and accelerated by things like wearing tight shoes or heels. [2] X Expert Source Miguel Cunha, DPMBoard Certified Podiatrist Expert Interview. 1 February 2020.
You can use either prefabricated inserts or a custom orthotic that’s fit by a foot specialist. [3] X Expert Source Miguel Cunha, DPMBoard Certified Podiatrist Expert Interview. 1 February 2020. Also, consider using inserts to provide your shoes with adequate arch support. If your arch collapses, your bunion will get better over time. [4] X Expert Source Miguel Cunha, DPMBoard Certified Podiatrist Expert Interview. 1 February 2020.
Soak your feet in warm water. [5] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Prepare a bowl with warm water and allow your feet to soak for twenty minutes. The warmth will sooth your joints and temporarily alleviate the pain. Try an ice pack. For particularly bad flare-ups, ice packs are a good choice. Fill a plastic bag with ice and wrap it in a thin towel. Apply the ice pack in twenty-minute increments several times a day. Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, to relieve the pain.
There are several options for a bunionectomy surgery. Conduct research with your doctor to find out which option is best for you. Surgery usually helps bunions, but it doesn’t guarantee that you will be completely free of pain, or that your toe will look perfectly straight. Follow up the surgery with proper lifestyle changes and exercises to prevent future pain and inflammation. Surgery has potential pitfalls, such as wound infection, recurrence of the bunion or decreased sensation in your big toe, so it’s often considered a last resort. #*You can use either prefabricated inserts or a custom orthotic that’s fit by a foot specialist. [7] X Expert Source Miguel Cunha, DPMBoard Certified Podiatrist Expert Interview. 1 February 2020. Your doctor can discuss these potential complications with you, so you can make an informed decision.
However, if your bunions are advanced and very painful, walking barefoot can make them feel worse. If this is the case, only walk barefoot on thickly carpeted floors. Otherwise, wear padded socks when you’re walking around the house and doing your daily activities. Wearing thick, comfortable slippers around the house is another option to help ease the pain of your bunions without subjecting your feet to the pressure of wearing shoes.
However, if your bunions are advanced and very painful, walking barefoot can make them feel worse. If this is the case, only walk barefoot on thickly carpeted floors. Otherwise, wear padded socks when you’re walking around the house and doing your daily activities. Wearing thick, comfortable slippers around the house is another option to help ease the pain of your bunions without subjecting your feet to the pressure of wearing shoes.
Make sure that your shoes are the right size for you. Wearing shoes that are too small can make bunions a lot worse. When you’re trying on shoes, your big toe should never touch the end of your shoe. To ensure you get the most comfortable fit, try on your shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are the most swollen. Also, use a brannock device to measure your feet each time you buy shoes, because your shoe size can change over time. [9] X Expert Source Miguel Cunha, DPMBoard Certified Podiatrist Expert Interview. 1 February 2020. Don’t wear high heels or pointy toes. They’re pretty, but heels and stylish pointy-toed shoes are terrible for bunions. They lead to additional pain and prevent the bunion from healing. Wear less restrictive sandals whenever possible.
