Bunions are caused when the bone or tissues around the joint at the base of the big toe become inflamed. It often causes the bit toe to turn in towards the second toe, pushing it to the side. The skin and muscles around the joint are usually swollen and tender. A tailor’s bunion or bunionette is a small bunion on the base of the little toe where the same thing happens. Most are caused by the way your foot is shaped, how you walk and what type of shoes you wear. All of these things put pressure on the foot which can cause a bunion. In fact, bunions often run in families most probably because we inherit the shape of our feet from our parents! Sometimes a bunion causes no symptoms and other times it causes pain in the toe with irritation and soreness. An untreated bunion can cause a problem called hammertoe. Bunion relief and bunion treatment are very similar and both are easy to do. Exercises are key to getting the toes realigned. Going without shoes as often as possible can help to decrease bunion pain!
What are the symptoms of Bunions?
- Pain in the affected foot
- Swollen bump on the outside of the foot
- Bony bump on the outside of the foot
- Pain in the big toe joint
- Swelling in the big toe joint
- Hard, callused and red skin on the foot over the affected joint
- Sore skin over the bunion
- Changes in the shape of your foot
How can I prevent Bunions?
- Walk barefoot; give your feet some space.
- Change your shoes. Instead of shoes that try to force your foot to fit them, try barefoot or minimalist shoes to help give your toes space.
- Always make sure your shoes are the right size.
- Avoid high heels and shoes with pointed toes.
- If you have a propensity towards developing bunions avoid activities that can cause them, such as ballet dancing.
How do I treat Bunions?
Follow these foot exercises to help relieve bunions:
- Stretch your toes out by pointing them straight ahead for five seconds then curling them for five seconds.
- Flex and contract your toes. Press them against a hard surface for 10 seconds then flex in the other direction for ten seconds.
- Hold your big toe in position for ten seconds.
- Roll a golf ball under your feet for two minutes.
- Strengthen your toes by rolling a towel and letting your toes pull it towards you.
- Pick up marbles and drop them in a bowl with your toes
- Walk along a soft sandy place. It gives a gentle massage and strengthens toes.
- Wear a bunion pad to realign toes.
- Tape your foot and toes into a normal alignment.
- Ice your feet to help alleviate inflammation.
- Soak your feet in warm water to soothe your joints.
- Reduce inflammation by eating oranges, lemons, and kiwis.
- Reduce swelling by eating flax and pumpkin seeds.
- Bromelain, found in pineapples, is said to help decrease bunion size.
- Give your foot a soak in some warm water and vinegar.
- Work on re-aligning your toes. Place a thick rubber band around the big toes of both feet and then spread your feet apart until the rubber band pulls the toes towards each other.
