What Can You Do To Ease Bunion Pain Right Now?
If you have bunions that cause you frequent pain, you may ultimately want to have a podiatrist look at them and possibly perform surgery to correct the deformity. However, you'll also want to do something to bring the pain under control in the meantime. The following are four remedies that can help ease bunion pain in the short-term, although they will not correct or cure your bunions outright.
1. Mineral Ice
There is a product called mineral ice that is basically a mixture of menthol, alcohol, and Epsom salts. It's like a gel, and it comes in a tub. If you massage some mineral ice into the sore area, the area will soon feel cool and relaxed. Then, as the treatment increases blood flow to the area, it will start to feel warm. Increased blood flow is a good thing, as it encourages some of the inflammation to drain out of the bunion area. As the inflammation decreases, so does your level of pain.
2. NSAIDs
Taking an over-the-counter NSAID pain reliever like ibuprofen or naproxen will also help ease the pain by fighting inflammation. Keep in mind that naproxen lasts longer -- usually between 8 and 12 hours -- which makes it the smarter choice if you need bunion relief that lasts all day long. Make sure you drink plenty of water when taking naproxen, and do not take either of these medications on an empty stomach as this can lead to ulcers and heartburn.
3. Ice
Sometimes, all you may need to do is ice your foot. Place a flexible ice pack or a bag of frozen veggies against the sore area and hold it in place for 20 minutes. The cold helps numb the area and also reduces inflammation. This tactic is especially helpful if your bunions are inflamed after a long day. You can ice your foot as you rest on the couch!
4. Massage
Use your thumb and your forefinger to gently massage the bunion area. Rub in circles, slowly increasing the firmness of your touch as you go. When the area begins to feel looser, start making long, gentle strokes away from the bunion towards the base of your foot. This helps some of the accumulated fluid drain.
If you choose to massage and ice your foot, do the ice before the massage, so you end the session with your foot feeling as loose as possible. For more information on bunion treatment, contact your local medical office.
Share