Tips for Handling Bunion Pain at Home

As a progressive deformity, bunions tend to creep up on you, often over a period of several years. One day you may notice a bit of a bump alongside the base of your big toe. As time goes on, that bump may get larger, and the tip of the big toe may push further toward the other four.

In order to ease the pain associated with this condition—or prevent it from getting bad enough that pain becomes an issue—you’ll need to make some smart decisions about how to manage it at home. If you treat your foot with care, it’s less likely to cause you pain, and your bunion is less likely to progress to the point where you need surgery. At the very least, you can delay the need for surgery for a long time.

Self-management solutions may include:

Buy shoes with a wide enough toe box to accommodate your whole foot—bunion bump and all—without squeezing or pinching.
Medical grade arch supports or custom orthotics may help distribute pressure more equally throughout the front of your foot and relieve discomfort. We’re happy to help you select an appropriate insole or create custom orthotics using a digital scan of your feet.
Do not wear uncomfortable or tight footwear.
Non-medicated over-the-counter bunion pads may help ease pressure or friction inside your shoes.
Taping or splinting techniques may help reduce stress on the joint and acute pain. Our staff can discuss best methods with you.
Short-term use of ice packs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help alleviate acute discomfort.

As soon as you notice a bunion forming, you should make an appointment with Dallas Podiatry Works. Early engagement will help give you the greatest probability of being able to handle treatment at home, and avoid pain and surgery entirely, for the foreseeable future. Schedule with any of our doctors by calling 972.853.7100.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.