5 Ways to Soothe Bunion Pain Without Surgery

Your feet support you throughout each day, often without a second thought — until pain suddenly makes you unable to focus on anything else. 

Bunions are a common joint deformity that develops where your big toe joins your foot, causing a visible bulge that can make wearing shoes painful. The pain can range from barely noticeable to almost debilitating. Podiatrists remain uncertain of the exact cause, but factors like genetics, footwear, and certain medical conditions may be to blame. 

While surgery can help, there are less invasive ways to ease bunion pain. At Capital Podiatry Associates in Alexandria, Virginia, Leland Gilmore, DPM, and Shalin Panchigar, DPM, usually prefer a more conservative approach that preserves healthy tissue. 

Here are five ways to find lasting relief from bunion pain without the risks and recovery time of bunion surgery. 

1. Take a critical look at your footwear

A bunion creates a notable bulge on the inner side of your foot, so it may change how your shoe fits. Also, if your shoes rub against your bunion or you have limited space in the toe box area, your shoes will probably make matters worse. In some cases, tightly fitted shoes that force the toes closer together can even cause a bunion to develop in the first place. 

Fortunately, different shoe companies offer footwear designed to accommodate bunions and avoid increased discomfort. Shop around, try a few options, and buy from a retailer that offers an easy return policy if your new shoes don’t work out. 

2. Step on the scale

Weight can be a significant factor in most foot health issues, including bunions. Being overweight or obese can put your feet under excessive strain. 

Losing weight can help you avoid further joint deformity. Not only will you likely notice improvement in foot pain, but you might find it easier to stay active. 

3. Give your feet plenty of rest

Optimal foot health requires a balance of exercise and rest. While staying active leads to healthy feet and ankles, you can also take things too far and overstress your feet. 

Be sure to rest in between bursts of activity. If you experience foot pain unrelated to bunions, work with Dr. Gilmore or Dr. Panchigar to create a foot exercise routine to improve strength and flexibility in your feet and ankles. You might also need to adjust your fitness routine to reduce the amount of strain on your feet. 

4. Try a fire-and-ice approach to pain management

Alternating heat and cold therapy can go a long way toward easing bunion pain. Colder temperatures can help reduce swelling and temporarily numb some of the pain. 

Heat therapy can help ease soreness while improving circulation in your feet. Everyone knows how relaxing it can be to soak sore or tired feet in warm water, and it’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to treat bunions and other painful foot conditions. 

You don’t need special equipment to give heat and cold therapy a try. A simple basin that can comfortably fit one or both feet is enough. If you find relief from hot or cold soaks, consider heating or cooling pads that don’t require water temperature regulation. 

5. Add padding or cushioning to your footwear

If friction against your shoes causes your bunion pain, add some cushioning. A multitude of different pads and cushions can ease bunion pain. Your podiatrist can guide you toward options that align with your needs. They may suggest custom orthotics, devices worn inside your shoes that change the distribution of your weight when you stand or walk. 

While over-the-counter options are available, if your bunion has caused significant joint distortion, custom-made orthotics may serve you better. During your appointment at Capital Podiatry Associates, ask us which products to try first. 

Don’t postpone bunion care

A podiatry specialist can diagnose bunions and determine the extent of your joint deformity, often using imaging. 

If they determine bunions are causing your pain, take action by reaching out to Capital Podiatry Associates to schedule a visit. Feel free to call and speak with an administrative team member or use our online booking tool.

Don’t let bunions affect your everyday routines when help is available. Try these tips to reduce discomfort, and if you still need relief, Capital Podiatry Associates is here to help.