Living with a Bunion

Adapting the footwear. Living with this condition requires adapting the footwear to the shape of the foot, since many of the painful symptoms of the bunion are due to the rubbing of the footwear. Furthermore, given that it is known that narrow footwear and with a heel of more than 5 cm increases the onset and progression of the bunion, these should be avoided.

Obesity. Is a predisposing factor of its onset, for this reason loss of weight is recommended in order to prevent the progression and the symptoms associated with the hallux valgus.

Reduce pain. The pain associated with the bunion can be alleviated or reduced, as required, with anti-inflammatory medication either local (in cream form) or as pills (anti-inflammatory drugs).

Avoiding chafing. When the main symptoms are due to friction, there are various solutions, such as gels, foams or silicones, that can cushion the area to reduce this friction and ease the symptoms. Orthopaedic devices to try to reduce the deformity and prevent its progression are also on the market. However, this type of device has not been proven to prevent its progression or correct it, although some people may find relief with it. If any secondary pain or new wounds are found, the recommendation is to discontinue with them.

Exercise. Some studies have also associated the onset of the hallux valgus with the shortening or retraction of the calf muscles, the reason why it is advisable to perform muscle stretching and toning exercises that maintain the muscle and tendon elasticity of the musculature of the back of the leg.