A bunions is a deviation of the big-toe joint that causes pain while walking and forms a large bump on the side of the foot, according to the authors of "The Good Foot Book." Contrary to popular belief, bunions are not solely caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, but have been been linked to genetics. Although temporary treatment for bunions include over-the-counter pain medication or steroid injections, the only way to correct a bunion is to have a surgical procedure followed by wearing shoes that prevent abnormal pronation, which prevent future bunions from forming.
Instructions
1. Take medication when pain occurs. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, reduce inflammation of your joints caused by irritation from tight shoes. Keep in mind, though, that anti-inflammatory drugs only treat inflammation, not the underlying cause of your bunion.
2. Apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce pain and inflammation. Do not apply the cold compress directly to the skin, as it can cause skin irritation. Wrap it in a towel or cloth first. If your bunion is causing high levels of pain, stay off of your foot until pain subsides.
3. Use shoe inserts whenever you are on your feet. Shoe inserts can prevent abnormal movement while walking and lower the risk of further damage to your bunion, according to the Mayo Clinic.
4. Wear comfortable shoes. Your shoes should be loose to avoid rubbing against the bunion. Avoid heels higher than 2 inches as they can force your foot to abnormally pronate. According to the Mayo Clinic, your shoe should have a wide and deep toe box to avoid irritating the bunion. You can also apply a bunion pad to the bunion in order to put a barrier between the shoe and your foot. You should continue to wear comfortable shoes, even if you decide to have surgery for bunion removal in order to prevent future bunion formation.
5. Undergo surgery. A surgical procedure can correct your big-toe joint by removing the bunion. Surgery options range from simply removing the bump to joining your joints together to prevent future bunions from forming. A surgeon can also correct your bunion by removing a part of your bone in order to straighten out the toe, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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