Bunions aren’t something only grandpa gets and complains about, since they can appear on anyone’s feet, no matter the age of the person. But women are prone to suffering bunions due to frequently wearing high-heeled shoes. Bunions aren’t easy to manage, normally things like wearing tight-fitting shoes and putting too much pressure on the toes slowly cause abnormalities in the big toe’s joint position.
A bunion is a bony and often painful swelling. It is a deformity which occurs on the joint at the base of your big toe. This forms when your big toe pushes against your next toe, which then forces the joint of your big toe to get bigger and stick out. The affected skin caused by the bunion may be red and sore.
The medical term for bunion is “hallux valgus.”
Symptoms of Bunion
If you suspect that a mere bump on your foot is actually bunion, you can look out for some of the symptoms:
- Pain and soreness.
- Soreness, redness and swelling around your big toe.
- A hardened thickening under your foot.
- A bump at the base of your big toe.
- Numbness.
- Calluses or corns.
- Restricted movements from the affected toe.
Bunions begin as small lumps. But eventually they become more painful, making walking even more difficult. Several of these symptoms are reasons enough for you to see your doctor.
Causes of Bunions
The presence of bunions can be attributed to any of the following:
- Genetics
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Injuries and other inflammatory conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis)
- High-heeled shoes
Complications
Possible complications from bunions include:
- Bursitis – the inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac which provides cushion to the joints and tendons.
- Hammertoe – a type of foot deformity which is characterized by an abnormal downward bent in the middle joint of a toe, which is usually caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes.
- Metatarsalgia – inflammation, soreness and pain in the ball of the foot.
Bunion Diagnosis
A diagnosis is usually possible by looking at the bunion.
A healthcare provider can use physical examination and X-rays to diagnose the presence of bunions. An X-ray will show the doctor how severe the bunions are and help them decide what the best treatment will be.
Home Remedies
You can consider any of the home remedies to relieve bunions:
- Wear appropriate and right-fitting footwear.
- You can go for foot measuring. There are several good shoe stores that measure your foot and offer recommendations on suitable shoe options.
- Wear shoe inserts, which can help relieve the pain on your big toe.
- Wear gels or paddings, such as metatarsal paddings, that will absorb the impact of the balls of your feet.
- Wear medical tapes around your toe.
- Avoid activities that may aggravate toe pain.
- Apply ice to the affected area to relieve pain and swelling.
Medication
Medication can help with pain and swelling.
- Pain-relieving medications: Ibuprofen, for example can reduce pain and swelling. They are available over-the-counter.
- Cortisone injections: These can relieve swelling, particularly in the fluid-filled pads that cushion the bones. A doctor will advise about these.
Surgery
Some bunions may need to be treated with surgery. When bunions require surgery, doctors at a surgical center can use several different types of surgery.
Surgery may be suitable for people who:
- Experience pain and inflammation that do not improve with other measures
- Have a deformity that is severe enough that the toe may cross over another toe
- Cannot bend or straighten a toe, due to stiffness
Surgery is rarely used to treat adolescent bunions.
How to Shrink Bunions Naturally
There are a few home remedies which can help you get rid of a bunion. If you’re experiencing pain due to bunion, try these natural treatments to shrink it in the comfort of your home.
Oil massage
Use natural oils like olive oil, castor oil or coconut oil to massage your feet. Doing these massages regularly can help deal with bunion issues. It promotes good blood circulation where proper blood flow goes around the affected joint, which helps in shrinking the size of the bunion
Red pepper treatment
Red peppers are wonderful for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in reducing the bunion’s size and inflammation. Slice a half of the red pepper and gently massage it against the bunion. Do this at least twice a day.
Epsom salt
Epsom salts are rich in magnesium sulfate which helps in reducing inflammation. Have a half cup of Epsom salt, dissolve it in a small tub of hot water, and soak your foot into it for about 15 to 20 minutes. Do this at least twice a day.
Ice application
This may sound like a no-brainer, but applying ice is one of the popular and effective ways to deal with bunions. You can put ice cubes inside an ice bag or towel, then apply it to your bunion for 15 to 20 minutes. You can do it several times a day until you are able to notice that the bunion’s size and swelling are significantly reduced.
Or you could also try these products available in the market today to treat your bunions:
Bunion Corrector Protector Sleeves Kit
This is the best, most effective non-surgical way of treating bunion. This can reduce the pain and discomfort of the bunion so that you can go on with your day like walking and running. It is made from 100% medical grade silicone. You can easily wear this bunion protector under your socks, footwear and stay in place all day long without sliding, allowing you to walk with confidence.
Pros:
- Very high quality from trusted brand made from medical grade silicone
- Easy to wear and stays in place
- High success rate
- Comfortable to wear
- 100% money back guarantee no questions asked
Cons:
- It gets flimsy after repeated use
Orthopedic Bunion Corrector Kit Set
This kit is another superb treatment for easing pain, discomfort and pressure caused by a bunion. It’s a one size fits all, so you’re good to go without worrying about sizing. This is made of premium fabric material, which makes it very lightweight and easy to clean. Unlike other rigid bunion correctors on the market, this set allow you to continue with your daily activities while protecting your bunion and providing support.
Pros:
- Reduces pressure, pain and inflammation in toes
- Can be worn in almost any shoes
- Can be worn throughout the day and night
- Great value
Cons:
- Maybe too big for smaller foot
Bunions are bony growths on the base of your big toe which affect as many as 50% of the adult population to some degree. If left untreated, it could cause severe pain, swelling, discomfort, which makes it hard to walk. Luckily, there are many natural home treatments which can help you get rid of your bunion completely.