Bunions: Easing Your Pain Naturally
A bunion is a bump on the inside of the foot around the big toe joint. Bunions are one of the most common forefoot problems and are actually a bone protruding toward the inside of the foot. Some of the symptoms of bunions include inflammation, swelling, and soreness on the side surface of the affected big toe. As a result of the pain, patients commonly walk improperly. Gait changes linked to bunions can sometimes cause plantar fasciitis.
WHAT CAUSES BUNIONS?
Bunions are a common problem, typically experienced by women. The deformity can develop from an abnormality in foot function, or arthritis, but is more commonly caused by wearing improper-fitting footwear. It is important for men and women to realize that wearing dress shoes and boots, which are tapered in the toe area, can cause the bunion to worsen to the point where surgery is necessary.
Tight, narrow dress shoes with a constrictive toe box (toe area) can cause the foot to begin to take the shape of the shoe, leading to the formation of a bunion. Women who have bunions normally wear dress shoes that are too small for their feet. Their toes are squeezed together in their shoes causing the first metatarsal bone to protrude on the side of the foot.
HOW TO TREAT AND PREVENT BUNIONS
To prevent the development of bunions, it is critical to ensure that your feet are measured regularly and that you have properly fitting footwear. The most important thing to focus on with bunions is prevention! Treating your feet properly from the start is critical so you can avoid painful and inconvenient conditions like bunions.
Here are some common treatments to help ease bunion pain naturally:
- Wear properly fitted footwear with a high, wide toe box or a bunion pocket
- Avoid footwear with narrow, pointy toes
- Wear orthotics to provide extra comfort, support, and protection
- Try bunion shields, bunion night splints, and bunion bandages
- Maintain a normal body weight to alleviate pressure on the feet
- Soak feet in warm water
- Massage your feet
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST ORTHOTICS FOR BUNIONS
Choosing the right orthotic for your particular foot can help to ease pain or discomfort from bunions. Aetrex Orthotics can help alleviate pressure and promote proper alignment, thus reducing pain. Most orthotics support the arch too far forward and don’t properly follow the contour of the foot. Aetrex Orthotics provide an equal distribution of pressure throughout the gait cycle through total contact and by transferring pressure away from high-pressure areas. As a result, pressure and pain are alleviated in typical high-pressure areas like the heel and ball-of-foot.
Benefits of Aetrex Orthotics:
- Alignment & Biomechanical Efficiency: Aetrex Orthotics keep the foot closer to the neutral position throughout the gait cycle. Proper alignment helps minimize over-pronation and reduces stress on the plantar fascia, knees hips, and back.
- Increases Mobility: Proper alignment can help reduce the deformity. This helps increase mobility and prevent stiffness from developing in the joint. This can help delay the progression of the deformity.
- High-Tech Materials: Say goodbye to plastics and other hard, uncomfortable materials. The Aetrex Orthotic Collection utilizes premium, shock-absorbing materials designed to cushion and support the body while protecting the foot. The plush, slow-recovery IQ150™ memory foam immediately customizes to your foot and reduces pressure on the affected joint. It helps protect the foot and provides additional cushioning for comfort and pain relief.
BEST ORTHOTICS FOR BUNIONS
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SHOES FOR BUNIONS
The best shoes for bunions are made with a spacing feature to prevent the bunions from rubbing against your shoes. By alleviating pressure in the area of the bunion, you will reduce your pain and prevent further irritation to your bunions.
Aetrex has styles designed to include bunion pockets that accommodate bunions and prevent pressure or irritation of the affected area. If your foot is sensitive to pressure, a sandal with an adjustable fit will allow you to customize the pressure across your forefoot.
