How To Ease The Pain Of Bunions When Surgery Is Not An Option

Bunions can be pretty painful, causing both aching-type discomfort and superficial soreness from rubbing against your shoes. While bunions can be corrected surgically, surgery is not always an option for everyone. If you're not a candidate for surgery, there are ways to manage your bunion pain so that you're not living every day in soreness. Here are a few solutions to try:

Splints

If you head to your local pharmacy, you'll likely find splints that are made specifically for those with bunions. These splints are meant to pad your bunions and keep them from rubbing on the insides of your shoes. There are several different brands and styles of splints, so you may have to try a couple of them in order to find one that's right for you. In general, however, the styles with a slimmer profile are going to be a better choice because they'll fit inside your shoes more easily without taking up so much extra space. Keep in mind that even with the thinnest splints, you may need to upgrade to a wider width shoe than you typically wear. For instance, if you typically wear a B-width shoe, you may need to wear a C-width shoe to accommodate your splints.

Epsom Salt Soaks

Epsom salts contain magnesium, which is an effective muscle relaxer. Soaking your feet in Epsom salts each night will help ease any soreness you're experiencing. Just stir a handful of salts into a warm pan of water, and immerse your feet. If you have any skin rubs or irritated skin as a result of your bunions, the Epsom salts will also help promote healing and prevent infections. Try to keep up with using Epsom salts regularly. It's better to start soaking your feet when your bunions are a little sore and keep it from getting worse than to wait until the pain is severe.

Eucalyptus Oil Massages

Massaging your bunions will increase circulation to the area, which will help keep inflammation (and therefore pain) to a minimum. To enhance the effects of the massage, try mixing a few drops or eucalyptus oil into a teaspoon or so of coconut oil, and then rubbing this mixture into your bunions. The eucalyptus has a natural cooling effect, which will help ease soreness. Start by rubbing gently, and gradually increase the pressure throughout the massage.

Bunions can certainly be uncomfortable, but with the strategies above, you can keep the discomfort under control. For more advice, speak with a podiatrist like Robert A. Raley, DPM .

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