Emma Mitchell: Correcting inflamed bunions (2024)

FAQs

How do you treat an inflamed bunion? ›

Over-the-counter, nonmedicated bunion pads or cushions may be helpful. They can act as a buffer between your foot and your shoe and ease your pain. Medications. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can help you control the pain of a bunion.

Unfortunately, there is no medical research or data to support the claim that bunion correctors straighten the big toe.

Our doctors may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and relieve pain in the foot and toe affected by a bunion. NSAIDs are taken by mouth. Many of these medications, including ibuprofen and naproxen, are available without a prescription.

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: Custom shoe orthotics (inserts) that relieve pressure on the joint and align your weight in a more beneficial way.

The bony bump of a bunion can also become irritated from rubbing against tight, narrow shoes or being compressed into pointy high-heeled shoes. This pressure and friction can irritate the skin and potentially inflame the tissues around the big toe joint.

For many people, bunion pain flares up if they wear shoes that put pressure on the affected toe. Shoes that have narrow toe boxes and shoes that constrict the toes, such as high heels, are often to blame. So, it's important to pay attention when flare-ups occur.

Caretras Bunion Corrector

If you're looking to help temporarily realign your bunion, consider using this corrector recommended by Sharkey. It helps relieve discomfort, pressure, and inflammation by constantly applying gentle pressure when on.

Lapiplasty has been called a “paradigm shift ” in bunion correction surgery. The surgeon no longer has to cut freehand. A patented instrument holds the metatarsal bone in correct position in all three dimensions at the same time before the surgeon makes any cuts.

While the scientific evidence supporting the use of toe spacers for bunions is limited, many people report experiencing relief from their bunion symptoms when using these devices. While toe spacers may not be a cure for bunions, they can potentially provide some relief for those suffering from this painful condition.

Most believe factors like inherited foot type, foot stress, injuries, and congenital deformities play a role. Some health conditions, including arthritis, are other likely culprits. It's also possible that wearing high-heeled or too-narrow shoes can increase your risk.

How long does bunion inflammation last? ›

You will have pain and swelling that slowly improves in the 6 weeks after surgery. You may have some minor pain and swelling that lasts as long as 6 months to a year. You won't be able to put weight on your foot at first.

Going barefoot is ideal in the beginning stages of bunions. When barefoot, the joints of the toes will get stronger, an important part of good foot health.

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.

If left untreated, a bunion can cause arthritis, especially if the joint in the big toe has sustained extensive, long-term damage.

After six to 12 weeks, you will start to regain foot function. Specific physical therapy exercises help restore your foot's strength and range of motion. You can resume your activities after about three months. However, swelling may last for six to nine months after surgery.

Use the right mix of hot and cold therapy

So, soaking your bunion in cold water can help reduce that inflammation. A cold soak may also bring some relief to your toes and other areas of your foot that get irritated by bunion-related rubbing. Heat therapies help improve blood flow and relax sore joints and muscles.

Redness or inflammation (swelling) can indicate infection. It's important to treat this early, especially if you have certain health conditions such as diabetes or a weakened immune system. Other symptoms include: Red, thickened skin along the inner edge and base of your big toe.