4 Bunion Pain Relief Methods

• Dr. Bruce Zappan
• January 22, 2018

Bunions can be caused by a variety of factors, but once you experience a bunion, it is almost guaranteed that this already painful condition will get worse over time without treatment. There are many options for reducing or eliminating the pain caused by bunions. Some of them can be utilized on their own, or in combination with others.

Bunion Pain Relief Method #1: Switch Shoes
Don’t make your bunion pain worse by wearing narrow or high-heeled shoes. Use shoes with a wide toe box, low heel, and adequate arch support. You can also ask your local cobbler to stretch your footwear in the area that rubs against your bunion.

Bunion Pain Relief Method #2: Activity Change
Unfortunately, foot pain may cause you to have to curtail some of your favorite athletic endeavors. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up exercising totally. Alternatively, try things like swimming or bicycling, which puts less stress on your foot than activities that demand walking or running.

Bunion Pain Relief Method #3: Cushions or Pads
Bunion pads, arch supports, or custom-made orthotics may be employed to redistribute your weight when walking and reduce pressure on your big toe. Your podiatrist can help you determine which pad is right for you.

Bunion Pain Relief Method #4: Toe Spreaders
These uncomplicated devices help relieve bunion pain by gently straightening the big toe joint. Toe spreaders are simple foam inserts that increase the space between the big toe and the second toe or between all of the toes, to push the big toe outward. Different types of toe spreaders can be worn with or without footwear.

If your daily activities are being adversely affected by bunion discomfort, you should consider having bunion surgery. This will generally involve an incision on the big toe, followed by a surgical realignment of the underlying structure.

For bunion pain, or any other problems you may be experiencing with your feet and ankles, it is important to see a foot specialist to receive the correct care. Bruce B. Zappan, D.P.M. of Medical Arts Podiatry Associates in Philadelphia is an expert in proper evaluation and recommendations for treatment. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or make an appointment with our office at 215-563-2560.