How to Overcome Bunions Without Surgery

Bunions are bone protrusions that form at the base of the big toe joint. Bunions can be caused by a variety of things, ranging from heredity, using narrow-sized shoes and high heels too often, to rheumatoid arthritis. Bunions can change the structure of the leg bones, while causing pain and swelling. Bunions need to be handled appropriately, because the pain can cause discomfort and even make it difficult to walk.

How to Overcome Bunions

To overcome the symptoms of pain or swelling in the bunions, there are various things you can do, namely:

1. Using shoes that fit and are comfortable

To minimize pressure and pain, use shoes that are fit and comfortable. Choose shoes with a wide front end with soft soles, and avoid using high heels so the bunions don't get worse.

2. Wearing padding or padding on shoes

Using pads made of silicone or gel when using shoes can be a way to reduce pain due to bunions. However, make sure the pads used are fit and comfortable. If the size of the bearing is not right, the pressure on the bunions can actually aggravate the pain.

3. Using a toe splint

Splint or bunion splint is a special tool that is claimed to be able to repair bunions or straighten toes. Splints can be worn at night and their use must be under the supervision of a doctor.

4. Give cold compresses to the bunions

To reduce swelling and pain, you can compress bunions with cold compresses for at least 20 minutes. Compressing can be done after prolonged standing or when inflamed bunions.

5. Taking pain medication

To help relieve pain, you can take pain medications, such as paracetamol. While in the case of bunion caused by arthritis, you need to take medication from a doctor to help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. If the pain due to bunions does not improve even after you have done the methods above, or if the bunions cause you to walk difficulty, you should consult with your doctor. The doctor may suggest surgery as a treatment. Surgery is performed to rearrange the position of bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves, so that the big toe can get back in the correct position. It's just that surgery is not recommended for adolescents because it is still in its infancy, where the risk of bunions growing back is quite large. When bunions are painful or swollen, a few tips above can be done to help relieve bunions complaints. But if the bunions have caused interference when walking or cause pain, you should immediately consult an orthopedic doctor so that they can be treated further.