Relief for Painful Bunions

Don’t let bunion pain affect your day-to-day life.

Bunion pain getting you down? Feeling like you want to get up and go but your feet don’t want to? If so, our Washington DC podiatrist, Dr. James Mintzer, can help you get your discomfort under control. Here are some easy, nonsurgical ways to reduce your bunion problems:

Apply Padding

If your bunion gives you grief whenever you step into shoes, then you may want to consider getting a bunion pad, which can be applied over the area to take pressure off the deformity while wearing shoes. It can also prevent a callus or corn from forming.

Wear the Right Shoes

High heels and shoes that are too tight or bunch up your toes will only make your bunion worse. It’s important that you are wearing shoes that give your toes enough room to move around and wiggle freely. Avoid shoes that have a heel over 2-inches tall and instead look for a pair that provides added cushioning and support for the soles of your feet. If you exercise or workout, it’s also important that you replace your sneakers every 3-4 months or when they start to wear out.

Use Topical Pain Relief

Once pain already surfaces, our Washington DC foot doctors understand that the goal is to eliminate the pain as soon as possible. One way to do this is to find topical pain relieving gels. Some of these gels contain menthol and other cooling properties that can reduce inflammatory and pain. Some products containing capsaicin have also been known to temporarily alleviate bunion pain when applied to the area.

Ice the Pain Away

Another way to reduce pain and inflammation is by icing the bunion. Make sure to wrap the ice pack with a towel before applying to the area, as applying ice directly to the skin can cause burns. Ice the bunion for up to 15 minutes, making sure to move the ice around to different areas of the foot. Alternatively, you may choose to soak your feet in cool (but not ice cold) water. If you are dealing with joint stiffness, you may want to turn to a warm foot soak or a warm compress to provide relief.

When to Consider Surgery

Surgery is rarely required if you catch the bunion early on and incorporate certain lifestyle modifications; however, if your bunion pain is severe, affecting how you move around, and not responding to at-home care, it may be time to talk to our podiatrist about whether surgery is the best option.

Want to get your pain under control? Then call Providence Foot Health Center in Washington DC today to find out how we can help you! Our number is (202) 269-4062.