Anyone who has suffered from bunions can attest to how painful and aggravating the condition can be. It can make everything from walking to wearing shoes difficult. What sufferers may not know, though, is there are several steps they can take to alleviate this discomfort and find some relief. The professionals at Advanced Foot Care Center of Rochester in Fairport, New York, have over 30 years of experience managing bunions and other foot problems, and their goal is to help their patients find relief without immediately resorting to surgery.

3 Ways To Ease Bunion Discomfort

1. Avoid Tight Shoes

Often, a too-tight pair of stiletto heels or boots causes a bunion to develop. The telltale sign is a large, unsightly bump along the side of the big toe, which develops when the joint beneath this toe is shifted due to some sort of abnormal movement. That can happen, for example, when the foot is forced into an odd position in a pair of heels. Over time, that bump can become very painful, especially if your shoes continue to be uncomfortable. Look for wider, lower-heeled footwear that provides some extra room in the toe box and maintains a better distribution of weight across the span of the foot.

2. Use A Pain Relief Product

Bunion cushions are design to relieve the intense foot pain that may develop when pressure occurs between the toe and the shoe. Most are built with multiple layers of soft cushioning to protect the bump, relieve pressure, and create a protective layer between the shoe and the skin. A fabric splint is another option that may provide some foot pain relief by gently and naturally repositioning the toe into its “normal” alignment.

3. Take Painkillers

Upon your doctor’s approval, you might also opt to take a pain-relieving medication, such as an NSAID pain reliever. This will help ease the swelling that develops after a long day of walking, minimize discomfort, and provide some relief when the pain becomes too intense.

If your bunion pain becomes too difficult to manage, though, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention. Get in touch with the foot doctors at Advanced Foot Care Center of Rochester. They’ll be happy to take a look at your bunion, get to the root of the problem, and provide you with a course of action to help you find relief from that unpleasant foot pain. For more information, visit their website or call (585) 249-0020.