Tips for Relieving Bunion Pain

Bunion deformities, especially severe ones, can cause a world of pain. The bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe may rub uncomfortably against the inside of a shoe, and over time that friction can produce painful blisters and corns. Furthermore, as the bunion worsens, your big toe may even cross over the second one, and the increasing stiffness and loss of mobility may make it difficult to walk.

When bunions get that bad, surgery is often the only option. But when they’re just starting to form, you can still slow the progress and relieve the pain using conservative measures. Here are 4 ways to do just that:

• Change your shoes. Granted, if your bunion is severe, it might be next-to-impossible to find a pair of shoes that actually fit. But for more mild cases, simply switching to a shoe with a wider width that can accommodate the bunion without pushing or rubbing it works wonders. A good shoe repair store may also be able to modify your existing pairs to be more forgiving.
• Add cushioning. In order to reduce friction, you can buy bunion pads from many pharmacies and drug stores. Place them on top of your bunion to reduce nasty friction that can lead to painful blisters and corns. Just make sure you get the ones without any additional medication.
• Get some extra support. At the core, most bunions can be traced to an imbalance in the way your feet handle weight and pressure. One of the best ways to correct this is through custom orthotics, or even off-the-rack insoles that have been checked, fitted, and adjusted by your podiatrist.
• Soothe your pain. Depending on your medical condition, we may recommend over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen when pain spikes. You might also try ice packs, heating pads, or even a soothing foot bath.

Because bunions are progressive—that means without surgery, they’ll only get worse, not better—you should always seek help from a podiatrist as early as possible and begin conservative care. The good news is that, in many cases, just a few easy precautions are enough to relieve pain and put off the need for surgery indefinitely, keeping you comfortable and active despite your deformity.

If a bunion in budding in either or both of your feet, call Dr. Truong at The Kansas Foot Center today. Reach us at (866) 222-5177, or fill out our contact form online.