How to get rid of bunions

Bunions need no introductions for those who suffer from them. They’re painful at worst and uncomfortable at best. While there’s nothing you can do to permanently rid yourself of them (barring surgery), there are things you can do to relieve pain and ensure happier, healthier feet overall. We’re no doctors, but as footwear experts, we can offer advice on how to help soothe the discomfort caused by bunions.

1- Stop wearing the wrong shoes

This includes high heels (pointed-toe heels, in particular), shoes that fit too tightly (especially around the front of your foot), and those that offer no arch support (such as flip-flops) as they put more pressure on the big toe joint. In summary, anything that either squishes the toes or puts additional pressure on the big toe joint is a no-no.  

2- Start wearing the right shoes 

This is crucial. So, we’ve dedicated an entire blog post to it and included some suggestions for shoes you can shop with us. Read it here.

3- Wear inserts

These can be bought either over the counter or with a prescription from your podiatrist. They stabilise your foot, allowing for it to be correctly positioned when hitting the ground so as not to add unnecessary pressure on your joints. They can also offer arch support, which puts your feet in a more natural alignment and reduces unnecessary pressure on the concerned joints.   

4- Protect the bunion with a moleskin or gel-filled pad

Cushioning your bunions is important. In addition to making sure that your shoes fit properly and have enough room in the toe area, you can use gel-filled pads or moleskins to create an extra barrier of protection between your foot and the shoe. This will help to avoid pressure and rubbing.

6- Rest your feet

People who spend long hours on their feet are more likely to develop bunions due to the extra strain this exerts. If you’re one of those people, you need to make sure you’re taking good care of your feet. This includes making sure you take time to rest them several times a day and elevate them when you get home in the evening to reduce swelling and pain.

5- Warm soaks, ice packs and massages

Soaking your feet in Epsom Salts is extremely beneficial for soothing inflammation. For sore bunions, ice packs are your go-to to reduce swelling and inflammation. Massaging your feet is also important. Focus on manually moving your big toe to ensure the tissue remains soft and flexible. 

7- Exercises, medication and further reading

In addition to all that, there are specific exercises and painkillers recommended by doctors which can help alleviate discomfort and pain. For more great advice from podiatrists, hit the links below!  

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-ways-to-ease-your-bunions-without-surgery/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/what-to-do-about-bunions

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-bunions#takeaway