Bunions Home Remedies: 17 Natural Treatments To Try

Have you ever noticed a bony projection from the base of the big toe? This projection is called a bunion. It is a very common foot problem in older women. Bunions are bony lumps that grow at the base of the big toe and point to the little toe.

While some bunions are asymptomatic, others can become red, inflamed, and painful. It interferes with daily chores and restricts movement. It is possible to shrink bunions naturally at home, but sometimes surgery is required if patients don't get any relief. This blog will walk you through the various ways how to shrink bunions naturally.

What causes a bunion?

Bunions can be caused due to the following reasons:

• Genetic faulty foot structure
• Flat feet
• Excessively flexible ligaments
• Abnormal bone structure
• Wearing poorly fitted shoes

What are its symptoms?

A bunion can be spotted by noticing the following signs and symptoms:

• Bulging lump on the edge of your big toe
• Limited movement of your big toe
• Swelling and redness near your big toe joint
• Corns and calluses at the point where the first and second toes rub against each other
• Continuous or intermittent pain in the big toe

Book an appointment for the best Bunion doctor in India.

How to shrink bunions naturally?

To get rid of bunions naturally, you can adopt these techniques in your daily routine. These techniques ensure bunion pain relief but also aids in shrinking bunions naturally.

1. Choosing the right footwear: Wearing tight and small shoes might cause swelling and pain in your bunion. Avoid wearing flip-flops and high heels to get rid of bunions. If your shoe is too tight in the toe region, it squeezes the toes together, causing the big toe to deviate towards the second toe. Rather, wear cushioned trainers when walking to reduce the impact and vibration from the ground. Wide-fitting shoes are also a great alternative as it allows your toes to extend freely while walking or standing.
2. Purchase shoes wisely: When purchasing shoes, request the salesperson to measure the length and width of your foot to guarantee a proper fit. Sometimes, varied shoe brands may have different sizing. Always go by what feels good, not by your typical shoe size.
3. Use Shoe Inserts:  Use shoe inserts to keep your foot in good alignment and to support the arch. You can use store-bought orthotics or get prescription orthotics created.
4. Stretch Your Toes: Remove your shoes for a few moments, wiggle, and stretch your toes whenever possible at work or home. This will relieve the pressure on your toes.
5. Use Toe Spacers: Use toe spacers to relieve pressure on your toes. You can do this at night while sleeping or while wearing shoes.
6. Use Bunion Correctors: Bunion correctors can range from as basic as a sleeve with a gel pad on the outside of the big toe for extra cushioning to as sophisticated as a bar and straps that help to adjust the big toe joint. By unloading the problematic joint, a bunion corrector can assist in lessening pain levels.
7. Use Bunion Socks: Bunion socks provide excellent cushioning. The big toe has its compartment and cushioning between the first and second toes. This reduces blistering, friction, and pain between toes.
8. Cushion your bunions: Support your bunions with bunion pads or moleskin to ease pressure and reduce the likelihood of irritation from your shoes.
9. Epsom Salts: Add a small quantity of Epsom salts to warm water and mix well. Soak your feet in this solution to relax and relieve inflammation.
10. Use Ice Packs: When your bunion becomes uncomfortable, apply ice packs to minimize swelling and irritation.
11. Take Pain Killers: To relieve inflammation and pain of bunions, take painkillers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, piroxicam, naproxen, etc.
12. Elevate your foot: This will help to reduce swelling and pain.
13. Rest your feet: Periodically, rest your feet, especially if you have had a very busy day. Remove your footwear, and wiggle your toes.
14. Massage your feet: To maintain the foot tissues smooth and the toe flexible, massage your foot and physically wiggle your big toe around. You can either dry massage or use massage oils. A fantastic technique to massage your foot is to roll a tennis ball under it.
15. Wear Orthodontics for Bunions: We should ideally place up to 70% of our body weight through our big toe joint if it is flexible; however, this is not possible for people with bunions. Special orthotics for bunions can help to improve the mechanics of the foot, lessen the force on a bunion, optimize foot movements, and finally lessen pain. Moreover, orthotics can lower the amount of extension the big toe performs when walking. This reduces the pain and inflammation and shrinks the size of a bunion.
16. Practise Foot Exercises: People with bunions may experience increased pain and difficulty walking as their foot muscles are weak. There are various foot workouts you can do to strengthen your foot muscles. Exercise regularly and repeat the exercises until your muscles are completely exhausted. These are some fantastic workouts: 

• Lift your toes while keeping your heel and forefoot on the floor. Hold for five seconds before releasing. 
• Lift your toes and spread them apart while keeping your heel and forefoot on the floor. Move your big toe toward the inside of your foot, then your tiny toe toward the floor. Hold for five seconds before releasing. 
• Bend your knees, and keep your feet sturdily on the floor. Now, press down your big toe and slowly lift your heels. Hold for five seconds before releasing. 

1. Avoid Impact Activity: When high levels of force are applied to the big toe joint, it can cause inflammation, redness, and pain. Impact activities like running and jumping can make a bunion uncomfortable and hasten the rate of change within the joint. Therefore, it is advised to practice comparatively less intense exercises. You can practice impact activities, but for short periods. Swimming is the best non-impact sport with the least chance of worsening a bunion. Cycling is also a fine option.

Also, Read Home Remedies to Reduce Shoulder Pain.

Conclusion - 

Bunions can be inherited or caused due to improper footwear and foot care. To shrink bunions naturally, you must massage your feet, soak your feet in Epsom salted water, use ice packs, and prevent impact activity. Moreover, to relieve the pain and provide cushioning, you can use orthodontics, bunion socks, correctors, toe spacers, and shoe inserts, and choose your footwear wisely.