Who knew that bunions could run in the family or caused by arthritis, gout, or even just by wearing uncomfortable shoes. There is a long list of reasons one might develop bunions but what if you could rid your feet of those painful and repulsive bunions.
1. How to get rid of bunions? It could be your shoes
The first step to getting rid of bunions is to evaluate your footwear. Determine if your shoes are causing you to develop bunions or worsening your already existing bunions.
You may think sneakers are comfortable and great for your feet, but even athletic shoes could aggravate your bunions. Determine if you are wearing supportive shoes with good padding and arch support. When shopping for shoes, check that you are wearing the correct size, allow for enough space so that your big toe is not rubbing the front of your shoe. Think of the thumb rule: there should be space the width of your thumb between the front of your shoe and tip of your big toe. Wearing shoes that are too small can irritate bunions. Also consider a switch to wearing wider shoes that will allow enough toe “wiggle room,” This helps ease stress off the big toe and allows for better circulation and range of motion that hinders the joint abnormality and bunions from developing.
2. To get rid of bunions, choose your shoe style wisely
Putting style before comfort wearing high heeled or pointy toe shoes is the perfect recipe for bunions. Yes, high heels are pretty, and pointy-toed shoes are stylish, but both are a major culprit of bunions. These trendy fashion statements force your big toe to stay in a bent position, while the front of your foot is baring most of your body’s weight, putting a strain on your toe joints. So while anyone can get a bunion, it’s primarily found in women, presumably because of the style of shoes women use.
3. Our feet benefit from increased flexibility
Walking and keeping active is the best way to exercise the foot muscles and keep them healthy. Stretching and keeping your feet flexible is also extremely beneficial. Foot exercises and stretching can help slow or even reduce the progression of bunions. A few simple stretches such as grabbing your big toe and moving to align with the rest of your toes, Flexing toes and practicing to grasp things with your toes. Learning to pick up articles of clothing, towels or marbles helps keep your feet in shape. If your toes feel stiff, stretching and moving toe joints can help relax the foot muscle and lower joint pain keeping the foot stronger and more flexible.
How to get rid of bunions? Note the activities that cause pain.
4. Activities can make matters worse
Avoid activities that can potentially lead to bunions such as Ballet dancing, sports or other activities that demand extended periods of time on your feet and require shoes that constrict the foot may lead to bunions. Consider the shoes you are wearing while participating in sports and how your foot is affected by the various movements.
Your activities matter. Some can make it more difficult to get rid of your bunions.
5. Correct your foot’s position to get rid of bunions
Using orthotic shoe inserts or “bunion pads” to correct the position of your feet and take the weight off your toes. The use of orthotics can work by redistributing pressure away from problem causing joints. Sometimes added heel and arch support are needed to improve the foot’s range of motion and accurately distribute body weight throughout the entire foot. Buying the right type of shoes and adding extra support and cushion might be enough to prevent bunion growth.
6. Relieve the pain
Exercising your feet and toes is great in theory, however, sometimes severe pain bunions need a little more care and attention. For some people, soaking feet in a with warm water and Epsom salt foot bath for twenty minutes is for more than just unwinding but can also create substantial pain relief. Applying cold compress can further aid in easing stubborn bunion flare-ups. Using ice compress several times a day will help to diminish pain and inflammation.
7. Increase Circulation
Increasing the blood flow circulating to the bunion area will help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Whirlpools, warm socks, hot packs, ultrasound, and massage are not only relaxing but can be enjoyable healing methods when treating irritating bunions and other foot pains.
8. Reduce the Inflammation
Using over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Aspirin, ibuprofen, Naproxen to ease the pain and reduce inflammation. Home remedies can also offer a potent and more natural approach to provide healing and pain relief. The herb Turmeric has pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties, combining turmeric with natural honey and water or turmeric mixed with olive oil creating a paste to massage the painful bunions several times a day diminishing pain and reduce the inflammation that makes bunions worse.
9. Maintain a healthy weight
Having a few extra pounds affects more than just your wardrobe. Obesity puts unnecessary amounts of stress on all your supporting joints hips, knees, ankles and lastly your feet. Caring extra weight can lead to heel pain and plantar fasciitis and have a negative result for hammertoes and bunions.
When you want to know how to get rid of bunions, don’t forget to consider losing weight and a more natural food lifestyle.
10. Give your feet a break
Resting your feet regularly throughout the day, especially if you spend extended periods of time standing. Standing puts pressure on your bunion, causing increased pain and inflammation. Whenever possible, take your shoes off and take a load off your feet and sit for 10 or 15 minutes.