You put on a pair of flip-flops and noticed that it doesn’t fit widthwise onto the sole. Could this protrusion be the cause of the sudden increase in foot discomfort you’ve been feeling? You see that nobody else wearing sandals has feet that are identical to yours. Perhaps you have a bunion.
What is a Bunion?
A bony growth at the base of the big toe is known as a bunion. The big toe frequently bends inward toward the other toes when you have a bunion, and the bottom of the joint will protrude out.
Bunion Pain Treatment
Bunions can cause mild to severe discomfort. Here are some methods for relieving discomfort if your bunion starts to annoy you.
Ice
Icing the region can numb it, which is one of the simplest ways to ease the pain. Any swelling you may be feeling in that joint can also be reduced with ice.
Exercises
Extend the foot and toe that are injured. (Feel free to stretch the other ones as well, but it’s unlikely that it would make your bunion discomfort go away.)
Walking on Sand
This is a good justification for a beach trip. The muscles in your feet are strengthened when you walk barefoot on sand, which might lessen the discomfort of a bunion.
Bunion Pads
A bunion pad that is available over the counter could be worn. Between the pad and your shoe, these provide your foot with more cushioning.
Inserts
Your feet can be stabilized in areas where your shoes fall short with the use of arch supports (sometimes referred to as inserts or orthotics). By distributing the pressure so that your bunion does not bear the brunt of it, this additional support can assist in lessening pain. While some patients get significant improvement from over-the-counter inserts, others require prescription orthotics.
Pain Reliever
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen might help ease the discomfort on days when your bunion is particularly bad.
Modernize Your Shoes
Don’t wear shoes if they cause your feet pain. Pain is frequently your body’s way of communicating with you. Choose comfort instead of what your foot is telling you to wear because “these shoes are terrible, and don’t even think about wearing them again.” You can also see that your foot is broader due to your bunion. Making sure your foot has enough room by donning a broad size might assist.
Peppermint Oil
A bunion’s discomfort can be reduced with peppermint oil. Apply a tiny quantity to the problematic toe joint. Additionally, the peppermint on your feet may be pleasing to your nose as well.
Toe Spacers
Your big toe is angled inward, which is why the base of that toe sticks outward. You can lessen the strain on your bunion by using a toe spacer between your big toe and second toe.
When to See the Bunion Specialist
Not all bunions necessitate treatment. However, you might want to think about seeing a podiatrist if you have tried pain management techniques with little success, have trouble moving your foot or walking, or have trouble fitting your bunion into a shoe.
source: https://myfootdoc.com/signs-you-have-a-bunion-and-what-to-do-about-it/
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