How to Relieve a Bunion Pain Flare-Up

About one-third of Americans have bunions. If you’re one of them, you must take steps to reduce wear-and-tear and prevent irritation. Otherwise, you may have to sit on the sideline and avoid activities you love.

At Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, podiatrists Drs. Edward Buro, Christine Peterson, and Rosario Saccomanno provide complete care for bunions. Here, we explain how bunions form and provide simple tips for reliving a bunion pain flare-up.

How do bunions form?

Bunions form for various reasons, including foot mechanics, bone structure, and shoe choice. These factors can place excess pressure on your big toe joint, gradually moving it from its natural alignment. Over time, the surrounding ligaments stretch, and the nearby bones gradually shift, causing a swollen, bony bump that’s often painful.

4 tips for relieving a bunion pain flare-up

Bunions aren’t always painful, but a flare-up can keep you from routine activities such as walking and exercise. Thankfully, you don’t have to suffer. Here are four tips to help ease bunion pain.

1. Wear wide shoes

Tight, pointed shoes, like high heels, press your toes together and exacerbate bunion pain. Wide shoes, on the other hand, allow your toes to spread out and support proper alignment. When selecting new shoes, make sure you can wiggle your toes freely. If your big toe can’t move comfortably, you’re more likely to experience irritation and pain.

 2. Apply ice

Bunion pain often worsens in the evening after you’ve spent a long day on your feet. Applying an ice pack to the bony growth for 10-15 minutes as part of your evening routine is a quick and effective way to relieve irritation. Icing the bunion reduces circulation to your big toe, relieving inflammation and pain. 

If you don’t have an ice pack, a bag of frozen vegetables or a baggy with ice cubes can be just as effective. Just be sure to wrap it in a towel beforehand, as applying something frozen directly to your skin can cause a burn.

3. Try bunion pads

Bunion pads, or bunion cushions, look similar to bandages. They have an adhesive backing and a soft center made of padding or gel. 

Placing a pad on top of a bunion provides a protective barrier that prevents your bunion from rubbing against the inside of your shoe. This reduces friction, absorbs pressure, and reduces the severity of flare-ups. 

4. Take over-the-counter pain medication

Bunion flare-ups can occur at any time, so being prepared is important. We recommend keeping a bottle of over-the-counter pain medication, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, in your purse or work bag. These drugs won’t stop bunion pain altogether, but they can reduce inflammation and make it easier to get through the day.  

We can help you ease bunion pain once and for all!

Seek professional help if you continue experiencing bunion pain even after conservative treatment. After an exam and discussing your symptoms, we can make personalized recommendations to provide lasting relief.  Contact Mayfair Foot Care today if you’re tired of living with bunion pain. Call our office in Commack, New York, to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.