Got Bunions? Focus on Your Shoes – Clark Podiatry Center (2024)

FAQs

Is there a bunion corrector that actually works? ›

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

A podiatrist will usually start with nonsurgical treatments. These options include bunion pads, splints, ice, special footwear, medications, and orthotics. Severe bunions, or bunions that do not respond to other treatments, may require surgery in order to remedy the problem.

For people with bunions, shoes with wide toe boxes, stretchy materials and strong arch support are best to reduce friction and irritation. Look for wide options to accommodate your bunion and avoid putting pressure on the toe joints.

Other non-surgical treatments for bunions include injections of cortisone or oral anti-inflammatory medication and wearing custom-made shoes that accommodate the bunion deformity. Both help provides comfort and relieve pain, but do not reduce the abnormal angles that underlie the bunion deformity.

Lapiplasty® is a new procedure using patented technology to correct not only the bunion, but its root cause. It straightens three dimensions of alignment of the metatarsal bone.

Taping bunions can reduce the bunion pain and stress brought on during the day by most shoes, standing and walking. Taping is often used to provide support, stability or rehabilitation to athletes suffering from bunion pain including runners, dancers, bikers and skiers.

Bunion toe spacers cannot cure bunions, but they can help manage pain and prevent further damage to the toe joint.

Wearing shoes that don't fit

High heels aren't the only poor shoe choice you can make. Any shoes that are too big, too small, too narrow, or too pointed cause rubbing and pressure on your bunion.

Is walking barefoot better for bunions? ›

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.

Our pick for the best shoe for bunions overall, the Hoka Ora Recovery 2 is extra supportive with a wide toe box. As the best walking shoe for bunions, the Keen WK400 Leather Walking Shoe is solid for long walks.

The only way to permanently remove bunions is surgery, sometimes called a bunionectomy. There are a few different ways to surgically remove a bunion, and all are common. Your podiatrist will take a look at your foot to determine the best approach to help you find permanent bunion relief.

Sounds crazy, right? But, according to the NIH, menthol and camphor — two of the active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub — may help soothe inflamed joints and muscles by acting as a topical anesthetic. Treating bunions with Vicks may provide temporary, superficial pain relief.

Soaking your feet in the water a few times a week can help reduce pain and inflammation. You can also add Epsom salt in warm water. The magnesium in salt can help stave off soreness and soothe your bunion.

You can try massaging and exercising your feet, taking paracetamol, soaking your feet in a foot bath, icing your feet, and using castor oil, bunion pads, and bunion splints. These methods can help alleviate bunions naturally.

Custom orthotics for bunion relief

Adding arch support and hindfoot and midfoot control can correct the foot position and slow the progression of a bunion. Visit your bunion specialist to get fitted for a custom orthotic insert. Your orthotic can also be modified to take the pressure of the bunion.

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.

Surgery is the only way to get rid of them, but there are things you can do to ease any pain they cause.