Bunions (hallux valgus deformities) are the large bumpy lumps that abnormally form at the bases of the big toes. This additional bone growth along with misalignment of the big toe causes it to form a visible protruded lump.
The big toe instead of remaining straight in its normal position tilts towards the smaller toes as a result of wearing tight, narrow and high heeled shoes. it can also be a genetic condition in some cases. Women are affected by bunions than men.
You can get rid of bunions through home remedies, lifestyle changes and in some cases medical intervention. We will discuss natural ways to heal bunions here.
1. Change Your Shoes
Your shoes are the main cause of these painful ugly looking bunions. Stop wearing tight shoes. Wear comfortable shoes or open sandals where your toes are exposed to breath air.
No high heels anymore. If you have to wear high heels than wear no higher than 2 inches.(about 5 centimeters).
These 2 changes will bring immediate relief to the pain. Gradually, with the help of other remedies you should also be able to get rid of you bunion.
2. Ice pack
Apply ice pack. It helps to reduce swelling and pain.
- wrap a few ice cubes in a cotton cloth to make an ice pack
- apply the ice pack on the bunion and nearby area
- do it 3-4 times a day for 15 minutes each time.
You should start seeing changes in your bunion size within a week.
3. Foot exercises
Exercise will not only halt progression of bunions will also heal them.
- sit on the floor and stretch your legs straight on the floor
- keep your toes vertical perpendicular to the floor
- stretch your big toe with hands and rotate for 10 seconds
- stretch all the other toes as well 10 seconds each
This will help to realign your big toe to its original position in a couple of weeks or months. This requires patience. During this period if you can avoid using closed shoes then it will be great. You can wear flip flops.
4. Wear Bunion Pads
If you realize that bunions is in the forming and catch it early then bunion pads available in a pharmacy or a drugstore will heal you bunions fast and alleviate pain.
These pads will realign your big toe. You can also use shoe inserts to realign.
5. Reduce your Weight
Your Weight can be your biggest hurdle to heal the bunions fast. The extra weight on you feet complicates the healing process.
Extra weight any way is not good for health. Do everything to reduce your weight and feel healthy.
If your bunions are advanced to a level where distortion is very high and painful then you will need a doctor's help. In extreme cases surgery may be required as that may be the only option.
Therefore, catch your bunions early and get rid of them as soon as possible.