If you have bunions, you would have most likely asked yourself, “could I shrink my bunions naturally?”
While some podiatrists prescribe home exercises and swear by the efficacy of Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT), other podiatrists believe the only thing you can do is slow down their progression (however most agree you can make a significant positive impact and get to a managable place with your bunions so they don’t become a negative focus in your life).
You likely know how crucial appropriate footwear is to keeping your feet in alignment. But what other natural (i.e. non-surgical) options are there? And are these treatments guaranteed to end your agonising bunions, or do they just slow down the process?
Let us explore non-invasive bunion treatments in more detail and give you the information to make an informed decision on your bunion treatment journey.
Understanding Bunion Causes
You have to know what causes bunions in order to understand the methods for naturally shrinking them. The main reason of bunions, or hallux valgus, is a misalignment of the muscles and bones at the big toe joint.
Genetic predisposition, wearing tight or narrow shoes, inflammatory diseases like arthritis, and particular foot shapes are common causes of this misalignment.
Over a quarter of Australians struggle with bunions and all of them would ideally prefer a non-surgical bunion treatment. Frustratingly, bunions tend to get worse over time if they are not treated. Natural bunions treatment works best when it is upheld by regular and consistent bunion self-care that we will discuss in this blog.
If your line of work involves excessive foot stress, such as ballet dancing or nursing, you run the danger of bunions. Steps towards regular and consistent self-care can greatly slow the bunion’s growth and help to relieve pain.
Application of bunion pads and correctors, wearing wide, low-heeled shoes, and use of ice packs can all offer relief and significantly slow the progression.
Remember always that looking after your feet is an important part of your well-being (it does take some work, but it’s definitely worth it when you consider the alternative).
Non-invasive Bunion Treatments
Traditional approaches to treating your bunion, such as orthotics, correctors, and lifestyle adjustments, can be quite helpful in controlling pain and enhancing foot function.
Toes can be realigned with bunion correctors or splints to ease discomfort, but remember – this is not a permanent solution.
If you do not regularly wear your bunion corrector, the bunion will return. Bunion correctors are there to offer some relief, but they are not a final and lasting solution.
Their design relieves your foot of some of the pressure, so relieving some of the pain you may be feeling after a long day on your feet.
Custom Orthotics give your foot continuous support and help to evenly distribute pressure, which lessens the strain on your bunion.
Their practical placement inside your shoe makes them a simple addition to your daily regimen.
Your bunion management can also be greatly impacted by lifestyle changes.
Losing weight can also lessen the overall strain on your foot, which lessens pain associated with your bunion even if it may not directly shrink it.
Bunion pads can reduce rubbing and irritation and wearing wider shoes with a low heel and soft sole can reduce pressure on your bunion.
You should always look for shoes with a wide toe box that offers good support for your feet.
Even little routines like putting on ice packs can help control pain and inflammation.
Although just used as a pain management treatment, regularly icing your painful feet is a valuable tool to have in your arsenal to combat your bunions.
By understanding and testing out various non-invasive treatments, you can find what provides the most relief and improves the function of your foot affected by bunions for you.
Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT)
Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT) can strengthen your foot muscles and realign the big toe joint, so offering a non-invasive way to manage your bunion and keep the possibility of surgery off the table. Carefully crafted to address your unique foot health needs, FMT offers a strong substitute for surgery.
Your bunion management plan can benefit greatly from home exercises in addition to FMT. They prevent more bunion growth and support long-term foot health in concert with FMT.
Podiatrists and physiotherapists create these workouts to improve joint alignment, muscle strength, and general foot function.
While a qualified expert (such a podiatrist or physiotherapist) can provide the FMT treatment, you can do several successful home exercises that will greatly increase the mobility of the big toe or toes afflicted by bunions.
Check out the above video for some great foot mobilisation exercises you can do yourself at home. Remember, the key is to do them regularly and consistently to provide the greatest pain relief and impact in slowing down the progression of your bunion (credit to Total Therapy Solutions).
You can also include various tools and equipment to take your foot mobilisations and strengthening activities to the next level. The Foot Collective are experts in this field and offer a great range of solutions for foot mobilisation and strengthening techniques.
Role of Footwear in Bunion Relief
Your choice of shoes is just as important in relieving your bunion as natural treatments and exercise.
Wearing broad shoes with a soft sole and low heel will relieve pressure on your bunions and offer much-needed comfort.
Your bunion will be less irritated and painfully rubbed against by roomier shoes.
Wide toe box footwear eases bunion pain by preventing additional irritation and encouraging normal foot movement.
Additionally reducing friction in the afflicted areas are soft, flexible shoes that promote better toe alignment.
Selecting footwear with little arch support can help to encourage natural foot movement even more and ease discomfort.
Shoe with enough of toe room can also help to prevent bunion progression and preserve correct foot alignment.
When to Seek Podiatrist Intervention To Correct Your Bunions
What To Do When Bunion Self-Care Doesn't Reduce Your Bunions...
It’s time to see a podiatrist if your bunions begin to somewhat interfere with your daily activities.
You don’t have to deal with this on your own; a podiatrist offers specialised care and professional knowledge, customising a treatment plan to your needs.
Among other therapies, they can evaluate the severity of your bunions and suggest orthotics, bunion pads, shoes, and specific exercises.
Sometimes non-surgical options won’t work as well as you’d like to shrink your bunions naturally. Your podiatrist can determine in these situations if surgery is necessary.
It simply indicates that your route to relief might need a different strategy, not that you’ve failed. But you stand a better chance of greatly slowing down the development of your bunions and avoiding surgery the sooner you get expert advice.
Shrink Bunions Naturally - Summing It Up...
In wrapping up, don’t let bunions keep you on the sidelines. Stand tall and face them head-on with natural methods like FMT, targeted exercises, and thoughtful footwear choices.
Remember, prevention is the best cure, so keep your feet healthy and happy. But don’t hesitate to seek a podiatrist’s advice if the road gets rocky.
Your journey to bunion-free feet isn’t a sprint, but a marathon. After all, every step you take is a step towards relief.
You don’t need to put up with Bunion pain any longer. Call us today on (03) 4240 5231 or book online and let us get you back on your feet pain free and walking with confidence once again with our Bunion treatments.
Bunions
Understand what causes your bunions and what you can do about them. Find out what treatments can get you back to walking pain free so you can enjoy living an active life again!
Bellevue Podiatry Bunion Treatment
Bellevue Podiatry has been serving the people of Rosanna and its surrounding suburbs for over 10 years. We have the experienced and education to effectively treat any lower limb condition or injury that requires expert podiatry care.