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Curing a bunion naturally may involve certain home remedies including wearing the correct size shoe, using orthotics, losing weight, and exercising.
Bunions are bony bumps formed at the base of the big toe, making them point toward the little toe.
Bunions can be treated naturally. However, if you don’t find relief, your doctor may recommend surgery.
7 natural ways to relieve pain and pressure of a bunion
Some natural ways to relieve pain and pressure of a bunion include:
- Correct size shoes:
- Wear a shoe with a wide and flexible sole that supports the foot. Make sure that the shoe has plenty of space to accommodate the bunion.
- Some ideal choices may include sandals, athletic shoes, and shoes made of soft leather.
- Additionally, if you prefer high heels, wear shoes with sturdy heels to keep your foot secured.
- Tips and suggestions for a proper shoe fit include
- Always visit a branded store because they measure your foot size before giving you the correct-fitting shoe.
- Do not select shoes by the size mentioned inside the shoe. Rather always select a shoe by the way it fits you.
- Do not purchase shoes if it feels too tight, expecting them to stretch later.
- Always walk in your shoes to be sure about its fitting.
- Buy shoes that fit your heel comfortably without any slippage.
- Avoid narrow pointed shoes that squeeze the toes.
- Bunion pads:
- You can buy moleskin or gel-filled bunion pads from drugstores. They protect the foot from rubbing against the shoe and relieve your pain.
- Make sure to test the pads for a short time before using them.
- If the pad size is large, it may increase the pressure on the bump, thereby worsening your pain.
- Shoe inserts or orthotics:
- Shoe inserts can help you position your foot. Orthotics can be beneficial in slowing bunion progression.
- Some of the advantages of shoe inserts include
- Improve alignment and arch support
- Improve the comfort of wearing the shoe
- Correct foot mechanics and movement
- Evenly distribute weight on your foot, thereby reducing pressure on the big toe
- Orthotics are available over the counter and as prescription devices.
- Ice packs:
- Placing an ice pack in a tea towel and holding it near the bunion for 20 minutes help alleviate pain and inflammation.
- For people who have numbness or blood circulation problems with their feet, ask your doctor before applying ice.
- Splints and braces:
- Wear a splint at night to hold your toe straight and prevent stiffening of the joint. Moreover, wearing splints may ease discomfort and irritation associated with bunions.
- Losing weight:
- If you have extra pounds, losing them would be beneficial in reducing pain and swelling.
- Exercises:
- Exercises intended to correct bunions have the following benefits
- Relieve pain
- Increase flexibility
- Develop muscular strength
- Improve gait and foot mobility
- Exercises intended to correct bunions have the following benefits
Other ways to cure bunions include:
- Taking pain relievers to reduce pain and swelling
- Massaging your feet
- Soaking your feet in Epsom salt bath
- Elevating your feet when sitting or lying down
- Taking off your shoes and stretching your feet when possible
- Taking natural supplements such as spirulina, curcumin, and ginger may help heal bunions by reducing inflammation
What are bunions?
Bunions, also known as hallux valgus, are the most common misalignment of the big toes. It is a deformity in which the big toe point toward the small toes. In a severe type of deformity, the big toe goes below or above the second toe.
In bunion deformity, the joint connecting the bones of the foot and toe (metatarsophalangeal joint) is overextended; this may result in painful arthritis of the big toe (hallux rigidus).
The protruding bunion at the metatarsophalangeal joint becomes inflamed and painful.
Are natural remedies effective in treating bunions?
Natural remedies can prevent the progression of bunions and alleviate the pain and swelling associated with them. However, they cannot correct underlying causes.
Surgery is another option to treat bunions, but doctors would recommend it in case of:
- Severe pain
- Interference with daily activities
- Natural remedies being ineffective