Bunions occur when the tissue or bone which surround the joint at the base of the big toe are displaced, resulting in intense pain and discomfort. Below is a guide to some steps you can take which will help to ease any pain and discomfort you are feeling.
Water and Salts
Fill a bowl with cold water and add some Epsom salts. Soaking your feet in cold water and Epsom salts can help to reduce the pain associated with bunions by reducing any swelling and soothing your feet. You can soak your feet as often as you feel you need to.
Topical Painkillers
Your local pharmacy should be able to supply you with a topical analgesic cream containing ibuprofen. You can apply a topical painkiller directly to your foot to reduce the level of pain you experience. However, you should carefully read the instructions supplied with the medication to ensure you apply the correct amount at the right intervals.
New Shoes
Many people assume they know what shoe size they are. However, while your feet stop growing once you become an adult, they do not stop changing shape. You should have your feet professionally measured by a shoe shop employee. They will be able to advise you on the correct size of shoe you require. Poorly fitting shoes will place additional strain on your bunions and lead to increased levels of discomfort and pain. If your shoes do not fit correctly, you should invest in a new pair. Doing so will help to reduce the pain caused by your bunions and help to prevent future foot problems.
Stretching
If you are experiencing lots of pain, you may not want to touch your feet out of fear of making the pain worse. However, by carrying out a few simple stretching exercises, you can keep your muscles and joints supple and help to combat the pain associated with bunions.
You should sit in a comfortable position and then place your hands on your toes. You should wiggle your toe backwards and forwards before gently rotating it to the left and then to the right. You can repeat these exercises whenever you feel discomfort or tightness in your feet. If you experience any excessive pain, you should discontinue the exercises.
If you would like more information about how you can treat the pain associated with bunions, book an appointment with a podiatrist today.
