A foot bunion is a lump that can appear on the foot as a result of the bone from the big toe losing its shape and its form. This problem occurs when people wear shoes that are too tight, as the result of an injury after many years of someone walking in a particular way. A bunion is formed when the big toe is pushed towards the other toes, and the base of the bone begins to protrude from the foot.
Usually, bunions are more uncomfortable that anything else, and many may find them to be unsightly. From a medical standpoint, bunions are usually nothing to be greatly concerned about although there are occasions when they can cause great pain and can affect people when they walk. If you have noticed a bunion in your foot, here are some of the ways in which you can get rid of it.
Do It Yourself
If you have only just noticed a bunion appear on your foot, there are some steps which you can take to get rid of it but you will need to be committed. The first step is to stop wearing any shoes which are overly tight or which force the big toe to be directed towards the others, there are some special shoes which you can buy which can help your toes to face in the right direction.
The second step is to do regular foot exercises to stretch your big toe and help to encourage the way in which it grows and moves. You should be doing these exercises each night and for at least an hour per night.
Bunion Pads, Shoe Inserts
Most pharmacies will sell bunion pads and shoe inserts which you can buy to place on the inside of your shoes. These products will place force on the base of your big toe and intend to correct it as you walk. On their own these products will not be able to completely correct your bunion but if you use them in conduction with regular foot exercises, you could see a great improvement to your bunion and the shape of your big toe.
Surgery
If you have an extreme bunion that is causing severe pain when you are walking and is preventing you from living a comfortable life, you can opt to have it surgically removed. During this operation the surgeon will cut your big to open and re-align your toe and shave down the piece of bone which is causing the problem. This should only be considered as a last resort when it comes to getting rid of your bunion and whilst surgery can greatly help with your problem, it is not guaranteed to work.
Even if you do opt to undergo surgery, there are some lifestyle changes which you need to make for the overall health of your feet. Changing the types of shoes that you wear and making sure that you regularly exercise your feet will be vital to helping to improve your bunion issues overall and to prevent them from returning again.
