There are countless products for bunion treatment in the market. Your options for easing bunion pain include bunion gel pads, splints, and specific insoles. Depending on the severity of the pain, you may enjoy some or all of these products.
Bunions hurt; they can interfere with daily movement like walking and exercising. The worst part is that they can become severe over time, especially if you neglect them. Bunions are often associated with arthritis, so this is something to worry about as well.
What exactly is a bunion? Hallux valgus, also known as bunions, are deformities of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the foundation of the big toe. They develop when a dislocated MTP joint causes the big toe to shift inward to the adjacent toes. This shift causes the joint to jut out to the side of the foot and rub against your shoe, causing discomfort.
Most shoes do not give enough space to the resulting protrusion, which causes swelling. Narrow-toed shoes can trigger a bunion, while high heels can worsen the problem by pushing the toes towards the front of the shoe. People that stand and walk all day, like teachers and nurses, are also more prone to bunions.
Shoes are not the only factor that plays a part in causing bunions. The form and composition of the foot are genetic, meaning bunions run in the family. At the same time, the risk of developing bunions is much higher for people with low arches, flat feet, and loose joints.
The right shoes with enough room in the toe box and enough arch support can do wonders for your feet. Depending on how painful your bunions are, products like bunion gel pads can also help the pain. Note that these are just remedies to ease bunion pain and are not permanent fixes. Finally, please consult your doctor before trying out any over-the-counter products.
One such over-the-counter treatment option is the bunion gel pad. If your bunion only hurts at the side of the big toe, a bunion gel pad can make all the difference.
What do bunion gel pads do?
Bunion gel pads give relief to bunion pains. They prevent irritation in the bump by creating a barrier between the bump and the shoe. The stretchy gel will offer better cushioning, shock absorption, and protection.
If you are trying to hide your bunions, a bunion gel pad is a perfect solution. They are minimalist and do not take up much room in the shoes—you can wear your favorite shoes without worrying about irritating your bunions.
Bunion gel pads are affordable and accessible. Any drugstore will stock gel pads. One pack can last for days, depending on how good the adhesive is of the brand. They are great when you are in a pinch and looking for immediate relief.
They are also lightweight and small. You could buy a dozen packs and put one in your bag and another in your glove compartment. Finally, they are convenient and easily available; there is no reason not to ease your discomfort every day. Reach for your bunion gel pads, stick one on, and you’ll be ready to go!
Where can I buy bunion gel pads?
You can buy bunion pads anywhere. Do you have a local drugstore in your neighborhood? Chances are, they’ll have them stocked. One of the easiest ways to buy a pack of bunion gel pads is to go online on Amazon and check out what they are offering.
A prominent brand to look for is Dr. Scholl’s; they offer a wide range of orthopedic foot care products. Check out their Bunion Cushion with Duragel Technology—it is a superb bunion gel pad for people who want a discreet way of easing their bunion pain.
Coping with your bunions
Besides bunion gel pads, there are simple things you can do to prevent or manage bunions. Unfortunately, bunions are a structural issue of the foot, and surgery is the only way to fix it completely. This does not mean that you have to suffer through the pain. Here are a few things you can do about your bunions:
Wear proper shoes
Make sure that your shoes fit right. Your shoes must have enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes and enough arch support to align your stance. If you do wear heels, keep them to 1–2 inches; stilettos are okay as long as you do not wear them every day. Avoid slip-on shoes because they push your foot forward and put more stress on the big toe joint. Likewise, avoid wearing flip-flops because they do not offer enough arch support.
Take care of your feet
Remove your shoes and stretch your toes to reduce pressure. Soak your feet in tepid water with Epsom salt to soothe your feet. Use ice packs to reduce swelling and inflammation. Rest your feet regularly and elevate your feet when you are sitting, as this lessens the strain on your feet. Exercising your foot is a terrific way to strengthen your foot muscles and ligaments. Then, massage your foot to relax and keep the tissue soft. When the pain from your bunions becomes too much, take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
What you need to know before opting for a surgery
The point of getting surgery is to relieve the pain by correcting the normal function of the foot. It removes the bony protrusion and realigns the joints. Complete recovery can take a while, depending on the procedure. Never undergo bunion surgery for cosmetic purposes. Only opt for surgery when the pain is so severe that it impedes your day-to-day activities.
Products like bunion gel pads indeed work in helping ease the pain of bunions. They relieve the pressure and prevent the bunion from rubbing against your shoes. In a pinch, they are a convenient and affordable solution to bunion pain.
Conclusion
Along with practical ways of taking care of your feet, bunion gel pads can help manage your bunions. With popular brands like Dr. Scholl’s available on Amazon for cheap, there is no need to fight through the pain.
Bunions are common and excruciatingly painful, not to mention debilitating. The cause of bunions is still indeterminate. Both genetics and ill-fitting shoes play a significant role in developing bunions, and if you keep up with bad habits, they can get worse over time. The condition may not be life-threatening, but it sure can impede your ability to walk and perform daily tasks.
There is no guarantee that you will not develop bunions, but taking care of your feet with these practical measures can help prevent them. Products like bunion gel pads limit the symptoms if you start to develop them. Put off the surgery date, ease your pain, and handle your bunions today.
August 2, 2022
