I have been feeling some pain on the side of my feet and I am guessing that I will have bunions before too long. Darn it, I already have plantar fasciitis, big toe arthritis, and painful heels.
Bunions develop when the pressures of bearing and shifting your weight fall unevenly on the joints and tendons in your feet. This imbalance in pressure makes your big toe joint unstable, and it forms into a hard knob that juts out of the side of your foot.
Experts disagree on whether tight, high-heeled, or too-narrow shoes cause bunions or whether footwear simply contributes to bunion development. Other causes include:
- Family History
- Foot injuries
- Congenital deformity at birth
Here are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing bunions:
Ditch High Heels
High Heels make a dressy outfit shine and make a fashion statement. However, high heels force your toes into the front of your shoes, which doesn’t leave enough room for your toes to feel comfortable. Save your high heels for that special occasion.
Wear Shoes That Fit
People who wear shoes that are too tight, too narrow, or too pointed are more susceptible to bunions.
It’s fun to pick out new shoes, and there are so many styles and colors that it is hard to narrow it down to one style.
Special inserts for your shoes that help keep your toes in a straight position may be helpful in correcting your bunion.
Deal With Arthritis Pain
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may be more likely to develop bunions. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help with swelling and pain. If your bunion is caused by arthritis or another condition, your doctor may give you medicine for that, too.
Try Home Remedies
Doctors and podiatrists definitely have their place, but there are home remedies that may solve your bunion problem:
Wear Low-Heeled Shoes
There are plenty of dress shoes with low heels so you should be able to find something you like. Avoid shoes with heels higher than 2 ¼ inches.
Apply Ice
Bunions can become inflamed or painful and ice will help reduce swelling. Apply two to three times a day and use a towel in between the ice and your bunions.
Use a Foam Pad at Night
Separate the big toe from the others with a foam pad while you sleep. Use a light elastic bandage to keep the pad in place.
Undergo Surgery
If your bunion is so painful that you have difficulty walking or experience pain even with supportive shoes, it may be time to think about surgery. Orthopedic surgeons realign bone, ligaments, tendons, and nerves to put your big toe back in the correct position.
If ankle-block anesthesia is used, you may be able to go home the same day. Unfortunately, it may take a long time to fully recover, and you may experience persistent swelling and stiffness.
Final Thoughts
Give these tips a try and see if they work. Be patient with the process because it takes a while to notice results.
