How to Treat Bunions: 5 Ways

Bunions are bony bumps that stick out of the joint that connects your big toe to your foot. In some cases, they may have no symptoms, but quite often they become red, swollen, and painful. There are several things you can do to deal with inflammation in this area at home, and 5-Minute Crafts will show them to you.

This article is for informative purposes only. Consult your doctor before trying any of the remedies mentioned below.

1. Do foot exercises.

Exercises can strengthen your foot muscles, improve mobility in your toes, and reduce pain in this area.

• Standing on the floor, lift your toes up.
• Hold for 5 seconds, then release.
• Repeat 5-10 times.

• Keeping your heel and forefoot on the floor, slightly lift your toes and spread them apart as far as you can.
• Reach the floor with your little toe and spread your big toe out in the opposite direction to create space between the toes.
• Hold for 5 seconds, then release.
• Repeat 5-10 times.

• Standing on the floor, lift your heels up and press down with your big toes.
• Hold for 5 seconds, then release.
• Repeat 5-10 times.

2. Apply an ice pack.

Ice can help relieve inflammation and swelling when your bunion gets sore.

• Take a bag of frozen vegetables or crushed ice and wrap it in a towel.
• Put the pack on your bunion and leave it there for about 10-15 minutes.

3. Try a foot soak.

An Epsom salt foot soak will soothe the pain and reduce inflammation in your bunions.

• Fill a basin with warm water until it’s deep enough to cover your feet.
• Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to the water.
• Soak your feet in it for about 30-60 minutes.

4. Walk barefoot.

Walking barefoot strengthens the muscles of your feet and helps to return your toe bone to its proper place after wearing poorly fitting shoes.

• Try to walk barefoot as much as you can, especially at home.
• If it hurts you to walk around on the bare floor, try placing a thick carpet on it.

5. Massage your feet.

Massage will make your toes more flexible and the tissue around them softer.

• Put a tennis ball on the floor and place your foot on top of it.
• Roll your foot back and forth over the ball for about 3-5 minutes.
• Then repeat with your other foot.