Don’t Have Bunion Surgery Until You Watch This — Podiatrist Explains How to Avoid Bunion Surgery
“For many people, it may simply be a matter of wearing properly fitting shoes,” she says. “Be sure to choose low-heeled, comfortable shoes that provide plenty of space for your toes and the widest part of your foot.”
Dr. Stock says these seven approaches may relieve the pain and pressure on the toe joint:
Maintain a healthy weight.
Protect the bunion with a moleskin or gel-filled pad, which you can buy at a drugstore.
Use shoe inserts to help position the foot correctly. These can be over-the-counter arch supports or prescription orthotic devices.
Under a doctor’s guidance, wear a splint at night to hold the toe straight and ease discomfort.
Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.
Use warm soaks, ice packs, Whirlpool, ultrasound and massage.
Buy well-fitting footwear that’s wide in the toe area. Shop at a store where the staff measures your foot and can fit you with an appropriate shoe.
Some people are interested in treating their bunions by stretching the feet to realign the toes, or using devices such as toe spacers or bunion splints, Dr. Botek says. Often though, the device is like a pair of eyeglasses – when you take it off, the benefit is gone.
“It won’t completely realign your toe permanently,” Dr. Botek says.
7 Ways to Ease Bunion Pain Without Surgery