A bunion is a foot deformity that is defined as a bony bump that develops on the joint at the base of your big toe. It consists of both soft tissue and bone. This happens when the big toe pushes against the toe next to it, thereby forcing misalignment of the joint.
While bunions are common on the joints of big toes, smaller ones can develop on your little toes.
Symptoms of a bunion include a bump, thick skin on the underside of your big toe, persistent foot pain, inflamed skin on the side of your big toe, calluses on the second toe, and difficulty moving your big toe.
Some of the causes of bunions are wearing poorly fitting shoes, genetics, and certain medical conditions such as flat feet, abnormal bone structure, and excessively flexible.
Here are some of the remedies you can try to help lessen the symptoms as well as slow a bunion’s progression and improve the condition of your foot.
Epsom Salt Soak
Epsom salt soak soothes irritated, sore feet due to bunions. Its high amount of magnesium sulfate helps get rid of the inflammation and pain caused by the bunion.
Pour a few tablespoons of Epsom salt in a foot tub. Fill the tub with lukewarm water and soak your tired feet in it for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat these 2 or 3 times a week.
Turmeric
The curcumin found in turmeric is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that helps lessen inflammation and pain.
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it twice daily to ease inflammation.
Calendula
The anti-inflammatory properties of calendula can help reduce discomforts caused by bunions and can reduce the risk of developing calluses and corns on the affected area.
Extract the juice from fresh calendula leaves by crushing it and applying the juice on the affected area. Allow it to dry. Repeat 2 to 3 times daily.
Chamomile
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that help lessen swelling, inflammation, and pain.
Brew a cup of chamomile tea and drink it 2 or 3 times a day. Aside from this, you can also apply the used, warm chamomile tea bags on your bunions for 10 minutes. Do these 2 to 3 times daily.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper has compound capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help get rid of pain and discomforts of bunions.
Apply some petroleum jelly on the affected area and put cayenne pepper powder over it. Leave it on for a few minutes and then gently press on the area with a piece of cloth.
Cold Compress
Chances are high that a bunion will become painful or inflamed after you’ve been on your feet too long.
A cold compress is the best treatment to reduce pain and swelling. The cold temperature lends a numbing effect on the nerve endings.
Wrap several ice cubes in a thin washcloth. Apply the ice pack for about 10 minutes. Repeat the process 2 or 3 times until you feel relief.
Warm Oil Massage
A massage using some warm oil can treat discomforts of bunions. It enhances blood circulation, resulting in a reduction of inflammation and pain. Similarly, a pressure between the toes and risk of developing corns and calluses are also reduced through this massage.
Warm some coconut, olive or castor in the microwave and dab the warm oil on the affected area. Do deep-friction massage for 10 minutes using your fingers. You may repeat this twice or thrice a day.
Wear the Right Shoes
Check your footwear when suffering from a bunion. Improper footwear aggravates the symptoms, delays the healing process and even puts you at a higher risk of foot problems.
In order to avoid rubbing and putting pressure on the bunion, wear a pair of shoes that have a wide, deep area. High-heeled shoes with narrow, pointed toes should also be avoided as they cause friction and abnormal movement of the toe joints. Furthermore, wearing tight-fitting socks or stocking is also not advisable.
Toe-Stretching Exercises
Stretching exercises for your toes are effective at reducing the discomfort of bunions. It will keep your toes flexible and mobile, improve bone realignment, circulation, and red blood cell activity.
Place an elastic band around the big toes on each foot. Slowly turn your feet outward until you feel the stretch on the big toes and hold this position for 1 minute. Relax for 1 minute and repeat again.
