
How to Fix a Bunion Without Surgery (4 Easy Tips)
- Choose the Right Shoes and Boots.
- Inserts and Pads.
- Give Splints a Try.
- Exercises and Treatment for your Feet.
How to cure bunions naturally without surgery?
How to get Rid of Bunions Naturally at Home
- Put on wider shoes. Switching from tight fitting to loose-fitting or wider shoes can reduce the stress on your shoes and give you relief from bunions.
- Olive oil. ...
- Use ice pack. ...
- Turmeric. ...
- Use pads and shoe inserts. ...
- Do daily exercise. ...
How to reduce and relieve bunion pain without surgery?
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. ...
- 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.
Can you get rid of a bunion without surgery?
To sum up, at-home treatments may be worth trying in a pinch, but if you’ve suffered with bunion pain for months or years, then surgery is the best, and only viable, way forward. Lots of people dislike their bunions but can be hesitant to undergo surgery to get rid of them.
How fast is recovery from bunion surgery?
The Recovery time for bunion surgery takes about 30-40 days. This period, it should be noted immediately, is the same both in the case of percutaneous correction of the big toe and in the case of traditional surgery.

Is it possible to correct bunions without surgery?
Bunions can't be reversed, and unfortunately, they don't go away on their own. Once you have a bunion, it will likely continue to grow over time. Luckily, many people don't need to have surgery to treat their bunions. It's possible to find pain relief through home remedies, orthotics and other treatments.
How can I shrink my bunions naturally?
What can I do to shrink a bunion?Wear wide shoes with a low heel and soft sole. In most cases, bunion pain is relieved by wearing wider shoes with adequate toe room and using other simple treatments to reduce pressure on the big toe.Try bunion pads. ... Hold an ice pack. ... Take paracetamol or ibuprofen. ... Try to lose weight.
Can you push a bunion back in?
It's really quite simple: With the use of bunion splints or toe spacers (such as Correct Toes—McClanahan's own invention) toes can be gradually restored to a more natural position, thereby undoing the motion that pushes the bunion out. In other words, as your toes spread out, the bunion starts to recede.
Does bunion correctors really work?
Research suggests that bunion correctors aren't effective at realigning your big toe or at getting rid of bunions. But they may help provide some temporary pain relief, while you wear them.
Can you dissolve a bunion?
If the bump that makes up your bunion is bone then the only true way to remove that lump is via surgery.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a bunion?
Treating bunions without surgeryMaintain 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. ... Under a doctor's guidance, wear a splint at night to hold the toe straight and ease discomfort.More items...•
What happens if a bunion is left untreated?
If left untreated, a bunion can cause arthritis, especially if the joint in the big toe has sustained extensive, long-term damage. Bunions may cause the cartilage in the joint to deteriorate. While bunions can be remedied through surgery, arthritis and the possibility of chronic pain are not curable.
What exercises fix bunions?
Exercises for bunion relief and preventionToe points and curls. This works on your toe joints by flexing the muscles under your feet. ... Toe spread-outs. While sitting, place your foot on the floor. ... Toe circles. ... Assisted toe abduction with exercise band. ... Ball roll. ... Towel grip and pull. ... Marble pickup. ... Figure eight rotation.More items...•
What are the five steps to fix a bunion?
10:0914:40How to Fix Bunions in 5 Steps - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCycle just before the back lick starts to lift from the ground to push. Off. So i'll exaggerate thisMoreCycle just before the back lick starts to lift from the ground to push. Off. So i'll exaggerate this position by taking a longer step forward while still maintaining the back heel on the ground.
Can bunions shrink on their own?
You can't get rid of them without surgery, but you can minimize the symptoms and help prevent them from getting worse. Bunions (hallux valgus).
Do bunions get worse with age?
Over time, the foot bones are squeezed into an unnatural formation causing damaged anatomy and pain. It's also a well-known fact that as we age, or gain weight, our feet spread and that worsens the problems already in place or triggers the development of bunions.
What is the best bunion corrector to buy?
Best bunion correctors at a glanceBest support: Caretras Bunion Corrector.Best bunion guard: ZenToes Bunion Guards Gel Shields.Best toe separator: NatraCure Gel Toe Separators.Best kinesiology tape: Kinesio Kinesiology Tape Tex Gold.Best for working out: Kinesio Tex Classic.Best sleeve: Alayna Bunion Corrector.More items...•
What exercises fix bunions?
Exercises for bunion relief and preventionToe points and curls. This works on your toe joints by flexing the muscles under your feet. ... Toe spread-outs. While sitting, place your foot on the floor. ... Toe circles. ... Assisted toe abduction with exercise band. ... Ball roll. ... Towel grip and pull. ... Marble pickup. ... Figure eight rotation.More items...•
Does castor oil shrink bunions?
Castor oil This one has anti-inflammatory agents that help reduce the swelling on your bunions. It is also quite effective in reducing the pain. Heat some castor oil till warm, dip a cloth in this and wrap around the bunion. Cover the hot compress with a towel to prevent the heat from escaping.
What are the five steps to fix a bunion?
10:0914:40How to Fix Bunions in 5 Steps - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCycle just before the back lick starts to lift from the ground to push. Off. So i'll exaggerate thisMoreCycle just before the back lick starts to lift from the ground to push. Off. So i'll exaggerate this position by taking a longer step forward while still maintaining the back heel on the ground.
What to do if you have flat feet and bunions?
If there’s still a spot that pinches, gel pads or moleskin may provide some relief. Consider arch support. If you have flat feet, you’re more prone to bunions. In this case, arch inserts (or shoes that specifically offer arch support) can help, says Dr. Cunha. You could also see a podiatrist about a custom orthotic.
What is bunion in foot?
A bunion is a deformity of the foot. “It’s a biomechanical imbalance of the foot, where the first metatarsal bone is shifting out of alignment,” says podiatrist Miguel Cunha, DPM, founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City.
How many people have bunions?
Though the risk of developing bunions increases with age, research estimates that nearly one in four people between the ages of 18 to 65 have a bunion. For those over age 65, more than one in three people have them.
How to treat sore feet?
Treat sore and red feet with ice, a nice foot massage, and if necessary, by taking ibuprofen to reduce swelling, says Dr. Cunha. See your doctor. While it’s tempting to try to address this yourself, it’s worth seeing a podiatrist for more effective therapies such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation.
Can bunions be treated without surgery?
7 Ways to Treat Bunions (Without Surgery) Bunions worsen over time, so intervening early is key. These non-surgical treatments are a great place to start. There are some health problems that you don’t expect to experience until your golden years—or preferably, never—and bunions is one of them. But bunions can actually appear at any age.
Can you walk after bunion surgery?
If, after all these efforts, you’re still experiencing a high level of pain or the bunion compromises your ability to walk, you may need surgery. It’s not as frightening as it sounds: This woman was up and walking three days after bunion surgery.
Can you wear heels for bunion?
They may have gotten you into this mess in the first place. “Wearing them will not only feel bad in the short term, but it will exacerbate the bunion long-term. They can cause a moderate bunion to turn severe,” says Dr. Cunha.
Shoes
You must wear appropriate shoes if you have bunions. Wearing proper footwear helps to alleviate discomfort and prevent bunion progression.
Splints and spacers
You can wear a splint at night to hold your toe straight, which may help to prevent your joint from stiffening in the misaligned position and slow bunion formation.
Exercises
There are also exercises you can do to relieve pain, increase flexibility, and develop muscular strength. Bunion exercises can also help to improve your gait and foot mobility. But exercise alone won’t correct the bone misalignment that causes bunions.
How to help a bunion?
Certain foot exercises can be helpful for those with bunions. Soaking your foot in warm water, icing it, ultrasound and massage can help to decrease the pain that you are experiencing as a result of your bunion.
How to prevent bunion in shoes?
When choosing shoes, look for a pair with a wide toe box, with space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
What is a bunion on the inside of the foot?
What is a Bunion? A bunion (doctors call it hallux valgus) is a bony growth that develops at the base of your big toe on the inside of the foot. photo credit: 4betterfeet. Bunions can occur due to the bone or tissue at the joint that is located at the bottom of the big toe moving out of place. Over time, atypical motion and pressure on ...
What is a bunion splint?
Splints are a helpful option for mild to moderate bunions. To be effective, these splints must be used on a constant basis over a period of time. A night bunion splint, for example, will be put on each night when you go to bed and taken off in the morning. The splint will help to correct the condition, realigning your big toe with your foot, as well as decrease the pain that the bunion is causing. You can even make your own.
Can hiking boots cause bunion pain?
Wearing hiking boots (or any shoes) when you have a bunion can not only be uncomfortable, but painful. Pain when wearing shoes will cause you to miss out on time on the trails. Fortunately, we have some tips on how to fix a bunion without surgery. – Updated 2/9/2020.
Can you get rid of a bunion without surgery?
There is some debate as to whether you can completely eliminate your bunion without surgery. Splints and exercises can improve the condition and fortunately there are ways to alleviate the pain you are experiencing.
Can bunions be caused by shoes?
There is some belief that certain foot types are more susceptible to developing bunions. Foot injuries or congenital deformities may also be factors. Some experts believe that certain types of shoes (tight, high heels, too narrow) may cause bunions or at a minimum contribute to their development.
How to relieve bunion pain with home remedies for bunions
One of the most common bunion symptoms is swelling in the joint at the base of your big toe. This inflammation is your body’s natural response to an injury. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve both swelling and pain.
Footwear and accessories to ease bunion pain
Choosing the right footwear can help prevent bunions. But once a bunion is formed, there are certain things you should look for in a shoe.
How to treat bunions without surgery?
Massage and Exercise Your Feet. One of the simplest ways to treat your bunions without surgery is to, in fact, exercise your feet. You should dedicate a few minutes to your feet every day. After long periods of standing or walking, there are very simple exercises you can do to relieve the pain associated with bunions.
What to do if you have bunions?
Take a Paracetamol. If your bunions are causing you pain, authorities such as the NHS advise on taking paracetamol or ibuprofen. This type of anti-inflammatory drug is not the solution to healing bunions without surgery, but they will provide some pain relief. 9.
How to get rid of bunions after walking?
If you need bunion relief after a long day of walking or standing, icing your feet can reduce swelling and ease the pain of bunions. Put an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the designated area and ice for 15-20 mins for optimum affect. Icing your feet and taking foot baths will not heal your bunions without surgery.
Why do bunions form?
The main causes of bunions are genetics, biomechanics, pregnancy, obesity and poorly-fitting footwear. Follow this link to read more about how bunions form.
How many people have bunions?
Whilst bunion removal surgery is the only sure way to get rid of a bunion, there are plenty of methods for treating bunions without surgery. It is estimated that 23% of all adults aged 18-65 have bunions with 35.7% of all over-65s suffering.
How to get rid of a big toe?
A simple massage or foot exercise can provide some much-needed bunion relief and will help strengthen the muscle which controls your big toe. One of the best exercises for bunion relief is the toe stretch. All you need to do is point your toes straight ahead for 5-10 seconds and then curl them for 5-10 seconds.
How to stretch your toes?
All you need to do is point your toes straight ahead for 5-10 seconds and then curl them for 5-10 seconds. Repeat this stretch 10 times. You can also use a towel to help with this stretch. Lay out a small towel on the floor and curl your toes around it.
Bunions 101
Bunions are a joint problem. When the two bones that meet at the base of your big toe are misaligned, the connective tissue in the joint becomes inflamed. Fluid builds up in the bursa, or pocket around the joint. The causes swelling, and any pressure on the joint can cause more pain and more swelling.
Where bunions come from
Bunions often run in families, because the shape and structure of feet is hereditary, so you may notice your feet look a lot like one parent or the other. If you have low arches, flat feet, or loose joints and tendons, you’ll have an increased risk of bunions.
Nonsurgical treatments for bunions
In most cases, bunions can be treated nonsurgically. One of the podiatrists from our team can examine your bunion (s) and recommend a conservative treatment which includes one or more of the following:
What is bunion surgery?
Most bunion surgery is performed under ankle block anesthesia, in which your foot is numb, but you are awake. Occasionally, general or spinal anesthesia is used. Generally, bunion surgery follows this process: You will be asked to remove clothing and will be given a gown to wear.
What to do if bunions are painful?
For bunions caused by arthritis, medicines may help reduce pain and swelling. If these treatments don't help, your healthcare provider may suggest surgery. This often resolves the problem. The goal of surgery is to relieve pain and correct as much deformity as possible.
Why do bunions form?
Bunions often form when the joint is stressed over a prolonged period. Most bunions form in women, primarily because women may be more likely to wear tight, pointed, and confining shoes. Bunions may be inherited as a family trait. Bunions may also result from arthritis. This often affects the big toe joint.
What is a mild bunion?
Mild bunion. For this type of surgery, the surgeon may remove the enlarged portion of bone and realign the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the joint. Moderate bunion. For a moderate bunion, the surgeon may cut the bone and shift it to its proper position. Whether or not the bone is cut depends on the severity and location ...
How long after surgery can you take a sponge bath?
An alternative is to take a sponge bath. The stitches will be removed during a follow-up visit, generally scheduled about two weeks after surgery. Take a pain reliever for soreness as recommended by your healthcare provider. Aspirin or certain other pain medicines may increase the chance of bleeding.
How long does it take for a foot to recover from surgery?
Your foot may need continuous support from dressings or a brace for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. You may need to refrain from driving for a week or more after surgery. Exercises or physical therapy may be recommended to help the foot recover its strength and range of motion after surgery.
Can anesthesia cause a stinging sensation in the foot?
This may cause a brief stinging sensation. If general anesthesia is used, you will be put to sleep using intravenous medicine. The healthcare provider will cut, realign, and possibly remove portions of bone, ligaments, and tendons of the affected foot based upon the severity of the bunion.
