5 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bunion Pain Fast
Bunions are abnormal bumps that are not only unsightly, they can also be painful if not properly treated. Bunions are caused by the unequal distribution of body weight on the feet, causing the bones in the toes to become inflamed and deform the joint and causing bunion pain.
They typically develop after age 30 and almost always affect both feet. Their occurrence has been linked to genetics, foot injuries, and diseases like arthritis.
Is it possible to relieve bunion pain naturally? How? Don’t worry! Below, we tell you about some remedies that may help you find relief.
Remedies to relieve bunion pain
According to popular belief, there are some home remedies that can help you get rid of bunion pain fast Today, we’ll share five of the most popular remedies that you can try out!
1. Ice
Over time, bunions become inflamed and cause intense pain after standing for an extended period of time. To reduce these symptoms and speed up recovery, ice therapy is an excellent choice.
The low temperature numbs nerve endings and provides lasting relief.
Materials
- ½ cup crushed ice (55 g)
- 1 thin towel
Instructions
- Wrap the crushed ice in a towel and place over the bunion for 5-10 minutes.
- Rest for another 5-10 minutes and repeat two or three more times.
- Use every time you feel pressure or pain.
2. Massage with essential oils
Massages with relaxing essential oils are a therapeutic way to increase blood flow to the affected area, while providing relief from pain and inflammation.
*If you have sensitive skin or suffer from a skin condition, consult your doctor before applying any essential oil.
Materials
- 2 tablespoons of oil (lavender, coconut, olive, castor, etc.) (32 g.)
- Water (as much as you need to dilute the oil).
Instructions
- Warm the oil in the palms of your hands.
- Rub the affected area and massage deeply with your fingers.
- Continue massaging the area for 10 minutes, then rest.
Read on: Therapeutic Massage: Types and Benefits
3. Turmeric and olive oil ointment
Many people believe that, due to its curcumin content, the application of turmeric and olive oil may relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon turmeric (2 g)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (5 g)
Instructions
- Make a thick paste with the turmeric and olive oil and apply to the bunion.
- Wait 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
You might like: Easy, Useful, and Natural Chamomile Remedies
4. Chamomile compress
The flowers of the chamomile plant are known for their soothing anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve the pain these bumps cause. Many people believe that its direct application as a compress reduces pain and soothes red skin.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of chamomile flowers (30 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
- 1 towel
Instructions
- Boil a cup of water and add the chamomile flowers.
- Lower the heat, let boil for a few minutes, and then remove from heat.
- While still warm, soak a towel in the infusion and apply to the affected toe.
5. Iodine and aspirin
A mixture of iodine and crushed aspirin could help reduce inflammation of the affected toe and make it easier to get rid of calluses.
Materials
- 1 tablespoon of iodine (10 ml)
- 3 aspirins
- 1 bandage wrap
Instructions
- Crush the aspirins with a mortar and pestle and mix the resulting powder with the iodine.
- After making a paste, apply to the bunion and cover with a bandage for a few hours while it takes effect.
Other measures you can take to relieve bunion pain
Remember that, to prevent bunion discomfort, you should wear comfortable shoes every day that don’t compress your toes and don’t rub against your skin. On the other hand, you should pay attention to the way you walk and rest your feet.
If your bunion pain doesn’t go away with the remedies we have discussed, see your doctor so they can prescribe the most appropriate treatment for you.
According to the MSD Manual, treatment for bunions varies depending on the intensity of the discomfort. If it’s mild, experts usually recommend wearing shoes with a loose toe box that doesn’t pinch the toes. Bunion pads and orthoses may also be used. Additionally, you can take anti-inflammatory drugs for relief.
When the discomfort is greater, experts usually consider surgical intervention (exostectomy of the first toe or correction of the bunion). Sometimes, surgery is necessary to release scar tissue and improve alignment.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Ferrari, J., Higgins, J. P., & Prior, T. D. (2009). Interventions for treating hallux valgus (abductovalgus) and bunions. In Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD000964.pub3
- Chong, Y. M., Fraval, A., Chandrananth, J., Plunkett, V., & Tran, P. (2013). Assessment of the quality of web-based information on bunions. Foot and Ankle International. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100713481458
- Ferrari, J. (2014). Hallux valgus (bunions). BMJ Clinical Evidence. https://doi.org/1112 [pii] ET – 2002/09/17
- Chen, L., Lyman, S., Do, H., Karlsson, J., Adam, S. P., Young, E., … Ellis, S. J. (2012). Validation of Foot and Ankle Outcome Score for Hallux Valgus. Foot & Ankle International. https://doi.org/10.3113/FAI.2012.1145
