Bunions, medically known as hallux valgus, is the disfigurement of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP), which connects the big toe to the rest of the feet. The MTP joint juts out as a big lump, and the big toe is pushed towards the second toe. Different types of tissues make up the MTP. Tendons, ligaments, and even bone tissue can form these lumps over time. Many remedies claim to alleviate these lumps. Bunion pads for shoes and packing the foot with ice are effective ways to relieve pain.
This injury is more common in women than in men. Studies theorize that this might be because women wear high heels that put pressure on the toes. People who put weight on their feet a lot are also more likely to develop bunions. Running, dancing, and other feet-centred activities are suspected in bunion formation.
There are many reasons why bunions form on the feet. Heredity is the most common cause that scientists can think of. The shape of the feet and toes are passed down the family. Some toe and foot shapes are more susceptible to bunion formation. People who don’t do strenuous toe exercises can develop them just as well, solely based on their genetically handed down feet.
Shoes with narrow toes might be pretty to look at, but they can be suspect too. Regularly wearing shoes designed this way puts pressure on the balls of your feet and smushes your toes together. When your toes are always cramped together, the tendons and ligaments connecting them are forced into unnatural positions. This can stretch and deform them over time.
Ageing diseases like arthritis can also cause bunions. The swelling of the MTP joint in older people is likely because of years of putting pressure on the foot and a high concentration of joint fluid.
Being overweight can form bunions as well. Standing on your feet with a couple of extra pounds puts excess pressure on your toes that balance you. Bunions, like other conditions, can be a result of unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Bunion Pads for Shoes and Other Remedies
Even though bunions may look concerning, they typically don’t need drastic procedures. It can be swollen and painful, but unless the bunion significantly affects the person’s life, podiatrists don’t recommend surgically removing it immediately. There are a few simple remedies anyone can do to relieve the pain from a bunion.
Wearing the right shoes
Living with bunions requires choosing your footwear carefully. Constant friction between the MTP joint and the shoe can cause swelling in the already deformed area. Certain shoe types also force the wearer to put pressure on the big toe primarily. This affects the joint as well.
Choosing shoes that support your feet properly removes the pain of a bunion. Footwear that doesn’t constrict your toes together is highly recommended. Sandals, shoes with a large berth for your toes, and footwear with comfortable but sturdy material are lifesavers.
Once you start wearing the right shoes to accommodate your bunion, you’ll notice the difference immediately. Most closed footwear is not designed for a protrusion on the base of the big toe. Finding the correct shoe fit for you may be a challenge, but it is worth taking on.
Bunion Cushion for Shoes
You can’t go around barefooted because of your bunions. Aside from choosing the right shoes, there are products that can enhance your comfort level. Bunion pads are popular remedies to these painful lumps.
Bunion inserts for shoes are like sleeves for your big toe and MTP joint. It wraps around the lump and separates the big toe from the rest of the toes. The primary function of the bunion pad is to remove the pressure off the affected area. It also cushions the balls of the feet to support it.
This bunion protector for shoes can easily be found in drugstores. Bunion inserts are made of materials like soft leather, moleskin, or gel to maximize protection. They are also relatively cheap. The greatest thing about them is the comfort they bring when you wear them inside your shoes. They protect your feet from being pressed onto the shoe material and the friction when you walk.
Warm and Cold Pack
To alleviate a swollen bunion, you can pack it with ice in 5-minute intervals. This is the best remedy when you get home after a long day of work. Reduce the swelling by alternating cold and warm packs just like you would a swollen ankle. It’s more of the same types of tissue that are affected—ligaments and tendons.
Over-the-Counter Medicine
There are unavoidable circumstances that can irritate a bunion and cause it to swell. If the pain on your bunion is unbearable, take readily available pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Standard first aid kits have these over-the-counter items.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Injuries like bunions can be due to being overweight. Additional pounds more than your feet could typically make the lumps sore and swollen. Making the healthy choice to shave off a little weight can make a difference in how often your bunion hurts.
Having bunions from rheumatoid arthritis is not a death sentence for your feet. Yes, they can get worse over time, but only if you let them. Eat food that helps you deal with joint pain. The food you put into your body fuel the wheels you move on—your feet.
How to Care for the Feet to Avoid Bunions
Prevention is better than remedying a bunion. If you notice that your feet shape is more susceptible to forming a bunion, start early by using toe separators in your downtime. These accessories revert the toes into a more natural and healthy form.
If you use your feet regularly, learn to also take care of them. Standing for the whole day every day or doing something more taxing is going to wear your feet out. Dancers, runners, and other athletes need to allocate significant time in their day to let their feet relax. Taking pressure off the foot will do wonders for your whole body.
Final Thoughts
Anyone can develop bunions based on a lot of factors—the activities people do, their weight, medical conditions, or even uncontrollable things like feet shape. It can be a part of your life, and you can learn to live with it. But it shouldn’t restrict you from enjoying everyday activities.
To ease the pain of a bunion, you’d need to choose your shoes based on your feet’s comfort. Regular shoes don’t have the space to accommodate the bunion or give your toes space to breathe. Living with this injury means giving up certain shoe types, such as high heels and pointed shoes, and making room for practical ones.
Bunion pads help cushion your feet and can be worn with shoes. The extra support these gel or leather pads give you can keep you on your feet for a whole workday. These pads are also easy to find. Drug stores usually have them in stock.
On days when the pain is exceptionally sharp, take regular pain relievers from your first aid kit to feel better. Eat healthier too, and if you are on the heavier side, consider losing some weight to take pressure off your feet.
Bunions are not a severe problem if you know how to remedy them. Take care of your feet to avoid them as early as you can.
August 2, 2022
