Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of our big toe and can cause a variety of problems. In addition to experiencing pain, wearing shoes can become uncomfortable and you may need to cease certain physical activities, such as running.

When it comes to treating bunions, the main goal is to alleviate symptoms in order to increase your quality of life. Here are some ways to do this from home:

• Refrain from participating in high impact activities that will put the protrusion under extreme amounts of pressure. Rather than jogging or running for exercise, try swimming, biking, or yoga.
• Wear the right footwear for activities and make sure they fit while providing an ample amount of toe space.
• If you’re experiencing swelling and/or discomfort, apply a cold compress or ice, and take anti-inflammatory medication.
• Apply a moleskin or bunion pad to the affected area to prevent shoes from rubbing against it and applying pressure.
• Wear orthotic shoe inserts, preferably ones that have been custom made for your feet specifically and are equipped to handle toe deformities. These inserts remove pressure from the big toe joint by redistributing body weight and correcting any biomechanical abnormalities that may be contributing to the problem.
• Pull on your big toe until it becomes straight and returns to its correct alignment. Hold it there while you count to 10, then release and repeat. Other options are taping your toes or applying a bunion splint to hold it in place.

If you’ve tried the methods above and you’re still experiencing pain, your next option may be surgery. These procedures vary – some patients need bone removal and tightening of tendons, while others need bone realignment and the application of pins and screws to keep it in place.

The type of surgery needed will ultimately depend upon the severity of the bunion. Call us today to schedule an appointment and discuss your options.