If you’ve noticed a sizeable bony bump at the side of either or both of your big toes, it may be a bunion. This bump develops due to bone and muscle misalignments in your toes and can cause quite a bit of pain.
Surgery is the most effective way to get rid of a bunion; however, you can consider several non-surgical options to help ease your pain. A bunion may become more prominent if left untreated, causing increasing pain, tenderness, inflammation, and sometimes deformity.
Find a long-lasting solution to your bunion pain at the Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery in Burbank, Santa Clarita, and Northridge, California. Our team of podiatric surgeons provides specialized and personalized care for bunion pain and other foot and ankle concerns.
First, let’s delve into the causes of bunion pain and five ways to ease your pain without surgery.
How to alleviate bunion pain without surgery
While surgery is the only way to get rid of a bunion, here are five ways to reduce your pain before considering surgery.
1. Wear appropriate shoes
The type of shoes you wear while dealing with bunion pain can worsen or help ease your pain. Wear comfortable shoes that are not tight or narrow. Bunion-friendly shoes should have sufficient space for your toes to be comfortable.
2. Exercise regularly
Bunions can make movement painful, putting off exercising regularly. However, certain activities are great for bunion management. Focus on activities that relieve your pain and increase mobility and flexibility in your feet.
Exercising also assists you in maintaining a healthy weight, which takes some pressure off your foot and helps relieve pain.
3. Wear a splint at night
Consider wearing a splint at night to hold the toe with a bunion straight. The splint helps to ease your pain by preventing your toe from remaining in the misaligned position. Once you remove the splint, your toe reverts to the misaligned position.
4. Use over-the-counter painkillers
Not all people with bunions experience unbearable pain. However, if your bunions are causing significant pain, you may take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen to help manage the pain. It’s vital to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
5. Pay special attention to your foot
It’s crucial to take special care of the foot with a bunion to prevent the condition from worsening. Ice packs and warm soaks can ease pain and reduce inflammation. Foot massages administered by a professional can also help to relieve pain and discomfort.
Bunions are notoriously challenging to treat. You may need surgery if your pain persists after exhausting all non-surgical options. Bunion surgery eliminates the bunion and repairs the joint completely.
Don’t let bunion pain limit your quality of life. Get excellent treatment at the Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery today. Learn more about treatment options for your bunion pain by booking an appointment online or calling 818-848-5588 for a consultation at one of our offices.