If your toes feel squished, it’s time to find a different pair of shoes. You can also try making more room in shoes you own with shoe stretchers. You can find shoe stretchers online or in big box stores.
Use the information when buying shoes to pick the best size, including width. However, always try the shoe on to see how comfortable it is before buying it. When trying on shoes, stand up in them. Make sure there’s at least 0. 25 in (0. 64 cm) between your toes and the end of the shoe. Also, walk around in the shoes to see how comfortable they are.
Soft-soled shoes will also help ease the pain of a bunion.
Wear shoe inserts if your shoes don’t have enough arch support. Shoe inserts can ensure you have proper arch support. In turn, that puts less stress on your toes, which can help decrease your chances of having a bunion grow. [6] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You can find shoe supports online or in big box stores. You may need to cut them to fit the shape of your shoes. If you already have a bunion, your doctor may recommend prescription inserts that are fitted specifically for you.
Opt for a very low heel, such as 1 to 2 inches (2. 5 to 5. 1 cm), or no heel at all to help prevent bunions.
Work on cutting high-fat and sugary foods from your diet. Aim to fill your plate with veggies, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins for a healthy diet. Try to exercise 30 minutes a day most days of the week. Try walking, running, swimming, yoga, or anything that gets you moving! Talk to your doctor about exercises that won’t exacerbate your bunions.
You can also use gel pads for bunions instead. These also just stick on over the bunion.
Most pharmacies and big box stores carry these.
To tape a bunion, cut 2 strips of medical tape that are about 1 in (2. 5 cm) wide and 6 in (15 cm) long. Cut one more strip that’s the same length but double the width. Wrap 1 narrow strip around the bottom of the big toe, starting between the big toe and the next toe. Pull it around the front of the foot, wrapping it towards the top middle of your foot. Do the same with the other narrow strip, except attach it slightly on the outer edge of the first strip. Wrap the large strip over the area where the bunion is, moving from under the foot to the top of the foot. [12] X Research source
Never place ice directly against your skin, as it can cause damage to the tissue.
For ibuprofen, adults can take 200 to 800 mg every 4 to 6 hours. Don’t exceed 3,200 mg in a 24-hour period. Take as little of the medication as necessary to find relief. For acetaminophen, take 325 to 500 mg pills every 4 to 6 hours, as needed for pain. Don’t take more than 8 pills in a 24-hour period if you’re taking 500 mg pills. Never exceed 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen in 1 day. Take as little of the medication as necessary to find relief. [15] X Research source
Complications can be severe, so discuss those with your doctor first. They can include tendons weakening, nerve damage, bones thinning, infection in the joint, and even bone death near the shot.
