A bunion is a common forefoot deformity that leaves a swollen bump at the base of your big toe. Bunions are often made worse by shoe choices and other lower limb issues. Working on your feet or being active around the house can aggravate the problem, causing discomfort for you. Knowing how to help care for your bunions can save you a lot of pain at home and on the job. Here are a few ways you can relieve bunion pain:
- Try different shoes – Narrow footwear or shoe styles that shift your weight on the ball of the foot can stress the bunion and make it more painful. Switch to wide shoes with good arch support to reduce that painful stress.
- Add pads or moleskins – Gel or moleskin pads provide a layer of cushioning and protection between shoes and your bunion, alleviating painful pressure and friction on the bump.
- Ice the bunion – Apply an ice pack to the bulge to relieve swelling and inflammation there.
- Soak your feet – Warm foot soaks at home soothe your feet and can reduce some discomfort.
- Stretch your feet – Stretches can help alleviate many types of foot pain, including in the big toe joint.
These are just a few ways to relieve pain. However, investing in more long-term conservative treatments, like orthotics, will be important for managing the condition as a whole.
Bunions shouldn’t interrupt your life or make your work more difficult. You can take steps to relieve the discomfort on your own. Don’t stop there, though—get treatment to take care of the condition and prevent it from worsening. Our experts with Mitchell Wachtel, DPM are here to help you manage your bunions and eliminate your pain. Call (978) 794-8406 to contact our offices in North Andover, Lowell, and Haverhill, MA, for more information or a consultation to get started today. You can also use our online contact forms to reach us.