A bunion is a bulge on the side of your foot at the base of your big toe. It’s caused by unusual movements or pressure that moves the tissue of the joint out of place. There are several treatments you can use at home to relieve foot pain from bunions.

What Should You Do for Bunions?

1. Change Your Footwear

Women get bunions more often than men, and a major reason is high heels. These change the way body weight is distributed through your foot and can shove your toes up against the front of the shoe. To get bunion relief, switch to flats or shorter heels. You can also use shoe inserts or gel pads to make your existing shoes more comfortable, no matter what kind they are.

2. Splint

This remedy requires a podiatrist’s help. If your bunions bother you at night, you can wear a splint while you sleep to straighten the joint and minimize foot pain. This should be correctly prescribed to make sure it’s right for your situation and won’t cause more irritation.

3. Heat & Cold

Both heat and cold work to minimize swelling and pain. Apply a heating pad or a hot compress to your foot when it’s painful, making sure to remove it about every 20 minutes and let the area rest so you don’t burn yourself. You can do the same with an ice pack or a few ice cubes wrapped in a towel. Try both heat and cold to see which works best for you.

If you’re interested in these solutions and more direct bunion treatments, visit Eastern CT Foot Specialists PC. With locations in North Windham and Norwich, and serving surrounding areas, these local specialists are affiliated with Backus Hospital and treat a full range of foot issues, from sports injuries and diabetic complications to bunions and ingrown toenails. Call (860) 887-3538 or visit their website to browse their services.