Bunion Woes? 3 Non-Surgical Treatment Options

You go to try on a new pair of shoes that you've been eyeing, only to find out that you can get your foot to comfortably fit into it. The problem may not be the shoe size; a bunion may be to blame.  

Bunions are bony bumps that develop on the base of the big toe, right where it connects to the foot. The result is a big bump on the outer side of the big toe and it can be painful, unsightly and can cause problems with your shoes fitting. If a bunion becomes excessively large and it starts to cause significant problems, surgery is often recommended to remove it. However, surgery isn't the only option; there are non-surgical treatment options, too.

If you aren't ready for surgery, here are some suggestions that can ease your bunion woes naturally.

Watch Your Weight

When you have a bunion, every step you take, the weight of your body presses onto the bony bump. Therefore, the heavier you are, the more stress is placed onto your bunion and the more painful it will be.

In order to ease the pressure on your bunion and keep the pain to a minimum, keep your weight in check. With regular diet and exercise, you can avoid the development of serious pain.

Wear the Right Shoes

Another way to keep your bunion in check without surgery is to wear the right type of footwear. Skip the stilettos or any type of shoe that is tight in the toe area and presses onto the bunion and instead, pick shoes that offer plenty of space in the toe and don't add pressure to the spot.

A word of advice when buying shoes: Shop at a store where your foot can be measured and you can be fitted with a shoe that fits your foot properly, bunion and all.

Do Your Exercises

No, not crunches or pushups, but exercises that focus on strengthening your foot – and particularly, your toe area. Examples of exercises that can help your condition include:

  • Flexing and contracting of the toe
  • Toe stretches
  • Foot resistance exercises
  • Picking up small objects with your toes
  • Rolling a ball with your foot

These exercises will keep your joints moving properly, especially the joint between your big toe and the rest of your foot, where the issue with your bunion lies. 

These non-surgical treatment options are certainly viable ways to cope with a bunion; however, to determine the best treatment option for you, consult with a podiatrist (such as one from Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center). 


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