Home Remedies for Bunions

Suffering from bunions? Let us help you out. First of all, let’s define what bunions are. Bunions represent a bone-like bump which surfaces on the big toe, just where it meets the foot.

Usually, the causes of bunions are excessive pressure on the foot, or tension in the foot’s joints and tendons. Surely, the big toe suffers the most in this case, and the experience is not the most pleasant.

While the condition is more recognizable in men, anyone can basically develop bunions. So what causes it and how does it manifest?

Bunions Symptoms and Causes

Some of the most common bunions causes include:

  • Wearing tight and small shoes
  • Inherited foot problems
  • Foot injuries or birth deformities
  • Some types of arthritis

As for the symptoms, you might experience:

  • Big toe pain
  • Skin irritation due to the bunion’s location
  • Calluses
  • Blisters
  • Big toe dislocation

Okay, now let’s talk solutions. While bunions may urge you to visit your doctor, there are plenty of natural ways to treat the condition. Read on to learn more.

Top 10 Homemade Bunions Remedies

1. Ice

As bunions cause inflammation, ice can help reduce it. What you need to do is wrap crushed ice in a thin towel.

Then, apply on sore area and hold for 5-10 minutes. Repeat 2-3 times and take 10-minute breaks in between applications.

2. Massage

Massage helps relieve the discomfort bunions trigger. Also, a massage can shrink bunions with ease. Therefore, warm a combination of castor and coconut (or olive) oil, and rub onto the affected area.

Massage the area applying deep pressure for about 10 minutes. Repeat the treatment from 2 to 3 times a day.

3. Foot Exercises

a) Begin seated in a chair and place your foot on a small (tennis-like) ball. Use the ball to massage the toe’s mounds and wherever the foot feels tension. Continue massaging for 5-10 minutes.

b) Again, sit in a chair and take the sole of your hurt foot in your hand. Intertwine the fingers of your other hand with your toes. Pull the toes backward and push them forwards for 5-10 minutes.

c) Standing up, point your toes and hold the posture for 10 seconds. Next, curl the toes and hold for another 10 seconds. Switch and repeat various times.

4. Epsom Salt

Take a small tub and fill it up with warm water. Throw in a handful Epsom salt and stir well. Dip your feet in the solution and let them soak until the water cools off.

Dry and massage your feet thereafter, using coconut oil. Repeat thrice a week.

5. Turmeric

Topically: Mix ½ teaspoon turmeric powder and a little olive oil. Form a paste and apply on affected area. Proceed with the treatment 2-3 weekly and for several days in a row.

Orally: Mix 1 tsp. turmeric in 1 glass of warm water. Drink twice a day. Also, you can take capsules, but it’s best to consult your medic on it first.

6. Chamomile

Make a cup of chamomile tea and sip while still warm. Once done, apply teabag directly on the bunion. Repeat 3 or 4 times daily.

Also, use a chamomile massage oil and apply on bunions before going to bed.

7. Calendula

Crush a few calendula leaves until they ooze the juice. Use this juice to apply on the affected area and let dry off completely.

8. Aspirin Foot Soak

In warm water, mix 2-3 aspirins. Soak your foot in the mix and let it sit until the water cools off. Dry off the foot and rub in warm olive oil. Repeat 1-2 times a day.

9. Proper Footwear

Choose wide-front shoes that always have soft soles. Make sure your shoes have enough big toe space. In such cases, sandals are a match made in heaven for you.

Avoid heels higher than 2¼ inches. Avoid wearing heels for longer than 3 hours. As with shoes, make sure your stockings and leggings are comfortable, too.

10. Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Today, there are plenty of anti-inflammatory foods on the market. Such are salmon, strawberries, blueberries (any berries, really!), olives, ginger, sweet potatoes, and walnuts.

Make sure all these find their place on your daily menu. Also, make sure you always consume plenty of products rich in vitamins A, E, and B complex.