5 Lifestyle Tips for Reducing Bunion Pain

If you’re one of the millions of people dealing with painful bunions, the switch from roomy summer sandals to more restrictive winter footwear can be problematic. The busy holiday season only adds to the strain, resulting in symptom flare-ups for many people.

Bunions happen when your big toe joint is pushed out of place, causing deformities that rub against your shoes and cause considerable pain with every step you take. There’s no “magic cure” for bunions — only surgery can correct them. But there are some things you can do to reduce your discomfort and improve your overall quality of life.

At Forward Foot & Ankle Associates, our team is dedicated to helping our patients find the ideal solution for bunion pain, with both nonsurgical and surgical options depending on your specific needs and goals. Here, learn about five lifestyle changes you can make starting today to help relieve bunion pain and make every step more bearable.

1. Wear supportive shoes

Narrow, pointy shoes may not cause bunions, but they can definitely make your symptoms worse. On the flip side, shoes with plenty of room in the toe area reduce pressure on your big toe, relieving some of the discomfort associated with your bunion.

It’s also important to select shoes with proper support for your arches, the middle part of your foot that bears most of your weight. Good arch support relieves pressure on your toes, too, meaning greater comfort when you’re walking or standing.

2. Use padding or orthotics

Over-the-counter bunion pads protect your toe joint from friction, providing a barrier between your skin and the inside of your shoes. 

While store-bought pads can provide temporary relief, custom orthotics are a better solution, custom-fitted to your foot for added support in your arch, heel, and other key areas. Not only do custom orthotics provide superior relief for multiple foot issues, but they’re made of stronger materials for greater durability.

3. Apply ice packs

Bunions cause a lot of inflammation in the joint and the surrounding tissues. Applying an icepack to the area helps relieve inflammation and ease soreness in and around the joint.

Aim to apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes at a time, and wrap the pack in light fabric to protect your skin. Ice packs can be especially helpful after a long day on your feet, and by relieving inflammation, they can even be used proactively, before you head out on your adventures.

4. Try anti-inflammatory medications

Inflammation also responds well to over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen. These medicines can provide some much-needed temporary relief when you’re on the go, and like ice, they can be used proactively to help prevent more severe symptoms.

NSAIDs can be used alone, but they’re also great when used in combination with ice and elevation. Like any medication, though, it’s important to check with your primary care doctor to ensure these medications are safe for use, depending on your health history and other medicines you might be using.

5. Stretch and strengthen your feet

When your toe joint shifts out of place, it puts added strain on the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the area, too. That strain increases painful symptoms and contributes to additional gait abnormalities that can lead to worsening bunions and other problems, like calluses, corns, and nerve issues.

Gentle exercises and stretching routines like the ones at this website help improve flexibility in your foot, supporting better toe alignment and reducing the risk of muscle strain. Our team can suggest exercises to reduce symptoms, or you can choose to work with a physical therapist who specialises in foot issues.

The importance of medical treatment

Bunions won't go away on their own, and while home remedies may help ease discomfort, your symptoms can still become worse over time. Scheduling a visit with our team is the best way to find the long-lasting relief you’re looking for with custom orthotics, special night splints to support your toe while you sleep, or corrective surgery for long-term comfort.

To learn how we can help you relieve your nagging bunion pain and improve your comfort and mobility, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Forward Foot & Ankle in Midtown Manhattan and Staten Island, New York, today.