Bunions are a very common foot deformity that can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. They occur when the bones in the front of your foot move out of place, causing the big toe to point inward toward the second toe.
This can force the joint of your big toe to stick out, causing a lump, which is the bunion, on the side of your foot.
If you’re dealing with bunion pain, you’re not alone, nearly one in three adults in the U.S. have bunions. Fortunately, there are a number of natural home remedies that can provide relief. Here are five of the most effective:
- Epsom salt soak Soaking your feet in a warm Epsom salt bath is a great way to reduce swelling and inflammation associated with bunions.
Simply add two cups of Epsom salt to a tub of warm water and soak your feet for 20 minutes. Do this once or twice a day for best results.
- Essential oils Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus oil can be very effective at reducing pain and inflammation associated with bunions.
You can add several drops of oil to a bowl of warm water and soak your feet for 20 minutes. Do this once or twice daily as needed.
- Apple cider vinegar should be compressed
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and swelling associated with bunions.
Soak a clean cloth in equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water to make an ACV compress, then apply it to the affected area for 10-15 minutes. Repeat several times per day as needed.
- Turmeric paste Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease bunion pain and swelling. To make a turmeric paste, mix together 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil.
Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it on for at least 30 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Or, leave it on as long as it is convenient. Repeat as needed.
- Wear comfortable shoes One of the best things you can do for bunion pain relief is to wear comfortable shoes that fit well and don’t pinch or rub against your toes .
Avoid high heels, pointy-toed shoes, and any other shoes that aggravate your condition. Opt for flat, wide-fitting shoes instead. If you must wear heels, try to limit yourself to no more than two inches.
Bring a pair of comfortable shoes or slippers that you can change into if you are offered a break where you can change your shoes.
Northwest Foot and Ankle show some strategies for bunion reversal:
10 characteristics of bunion friendly footwear
- Wide Toe Box: Shoes with a wide toe box area provide enough space for toes to move freely and prevent rubbing against each other.
- Low Heel: Shoes with a low heel or no heel reduce pressure on the bunion and provide more stability to the foot.
- Soft Material: Soft, flexible materials like leather or suede help prevent irritation and rubbing on the bunion area.
- Adjustable Straps: Shoes with adjustable straps allow for a custom fit, which helps prevent slippage and rubbing.
- Arch Support: Shoes with good arch support help distribute weight evenly across the foot, reducing pressure on the bunion area.
- Cushioning: Shoes with extra cushioning in the insole can absorb shock and reduce pressure on the bunion.
- Lightweight: Lightweight shoes put less stress on the feet and reduce pressure on the bunion area.
- Breathable: Shoes made of breathable materials help keep feet cool and dry, preventing sweat buildup that can lead to irritation and blisters.
- Flexible Sole: A flexible sole allows for natural movement of the foot and reduces pressure on the bunion area.
- Orthotic-Friendly: Shoes with removable insoles allow for the use of custom orthotics, which can help correct foot alignment and relieve bunion pain.
Concluding thoughts on natural bunion pain relief
Bunions can be painful and frustrating, but fortunately, there are a number of natural home remedies that can offer relief. From an Epsom salt soak to wearing comfortable shoes, these simple solutions can help you get back on your feet in no time!
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