Understanding how to treat a bunion on outside of foot is necessary for successfully alleviating symptoms and preventing the condition from worsening. If you have any pain or discomfort, it’s best to seek a treatment plan from your surgeon immediately. However, before you schedule an appointment, we’ll provide you with practical strategies and home remedies that will help you address the issue right away!
What Is a Bunion on Outside of the Foot?
A bunion on the outside of the foot is known as a Tailor’s bunion. It is the less common foot deformity since the majority of bunions affect the big toe and develop on the inside of the patient’s foot on the joint below the big toe. However, Tailor’s bunion develops on the outside of the little toe, and it can be very painful for the patient when the bunion rubs against a shoe.
What Kind of Non-Surgical Treatment Options Are There?
There are different non-surgical options that can be explored before discussing the necessity of bunion surgery with a specialist. Here are some of the remedies that are advised the most:
- Corticosteroid injections are used to resolve the swelling,
- Ice packs help with inflammation and pain,
- Wearing comfortable and properly-fitting shoes for bunions and flat feet,
- Placing bunionette pads on the affected area,
- Pain medication like ibuprofen to stop the pain,
- Using custom orthotic devices.
Proper Footwear and Protective Padding
Proper footwear is extremely important. Patients need to avoid pointy shoes and high heels at all costs to put as little pressure on the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint as possible. Purchasing shoes with extra depth provides you with extra room for the toes. Bunion-friendly shoes are usually wide and made of breathable materials.
Protective padding is needed for effective shock absorption during strenuous activities or just walking during the day. Open-toe sleeve pads made with latex can be great for cushioning the foot and eliminating friction between the foot and the shoe.
Orthotic Devices
Alleviating the pressure on the affected area and realigning the foot’s structure is possible with orthotics. They come in various forms, like bunion splints, toe spacers, and custom-made shoe inserts. For bunions on the outside of the foot, the most effective devices are custom orthotics which are made to fit and support the foot. They can help you put a stop to the progression of the condition.
You Can Use Home Remedies
Getting rid of the pain and discomfort caused by bunions can be achieved with cost-effective options, and this includes home remedies. Individuals can use ice packs, a light massage, or warm foot soaks with Epsom salts to help with the soreness as well as to relax the foot muscles. Stretches and exercises can be instrumental in gaining flexibility and strength.
Ice Therapy or Warm Foot Soaks
If you want to try out ice therapy, you will need to apply a cold compress or ice pack for 20 minutes a couple of times a day to the affected area and thus reduce inflammation. Acute pain and swelling from strenuous physical activity can be reduced in this way.
Moreover, warm foot soaks with Epsom salts are incredible at promoting blood circulation and relaxing the muscles. If you feel tension and soreness, a comforting remedy would be warm foot soaks.
There Are Some Over-The-Counter Pain Relief Options
Over-the-counter pain relief options would work to get rid of the immediate pain, but they won’t solve the progression of the deformity. This is why we recommend using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen.
If you want something different, we recommend topical gels and creams containing camphor, menthol, or capsaicin that are successful at alleviating the pain.
When to Seek Medical Evaluation?
If the deformity is causing acute pain and inability to walk properly, the next step is to see a specialist who can provide the right diagnosis and treatment plan. If the swelling and inflammation are not subsiding even after using all the home remedies, the condition cannot be stopped from progressing without a surgical procedure.
Discuss With Your Miami Surgeon How to Treat Bunion on Outside of the Foot
If you want to be treated by experts, visit our Miami clinic – Luxe Foot Surgery. We will make an accurate assessment of the deformity and provide the correct treatment. There are several surgeries that can correct bunions, and you just might need the minimally invasive treatment to get back to walking with confidence. If you desire to know more info about our clinic and schedule an appointment, contact us right away!
References
- Foot & Ankle Center of Washington: https://www.footankle.com/orthotics/condition/bunions-big-toe-pain/
- BayArea FootCare: https://balancehealth.com/resources/do-i-have-a-tailors-bunion-and-if-so-what-can-i-do-about-it/bay-area-foot-care/#:~:text=Tailor’s%20Bunion%3A%20An%20Introduction&text=While%20a%20bunion%20grows%20on,shoe%20can%20be%20extremely%20painful.
- WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-about-bunions
