How to Stop a Bunion from Getting Worse?

You may have experienced the big toe on your foot starting to lean inward or the appearance of a bony bulge forming near its base. With increasing discomfort in walking combined with pain, soreness, and swelling, you may wonder what kind of problem it is. 

If any of the mentioned symptoms are true and you come across discomfort while walking, swelling around the joint, or notice your shoes no longer fit right, you’re not alone. These early signs could point to a developing bunion, and ignoring them can worsen things. If any of this sounds familiar, keep reading to understand what a bunion is, who’s at risk, and how to stop it from progressing.

What is a Bunion, and How Does It Develop?

A bunion is a problematic foot condition in which the large toe loses its alignment and starts leaning toward the small toes. The joint just below it, the metatarsophalangeal joint, extends outward, causing pain and discomfort to the affected individual. The problem may develop due to constant pressure, excess weight, or prolonged use of unsuitable footwear. With time, the affected joint gets swollen and looks like a bony bump.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Bunions

Some common symptoms of bunion that you may notice at the early onset of the condition include:

• Formation of a bulging bump on the metatarsophalangeal
• Stabbing pain in the big toe
• Inflammation
• Redness and discomfort
• Difficulty in movements

Due to the poor alignment of toe joints, multiple other problems may arise, such as the formation of calluses or corns due to the constant rubbing of toes.

Stages of Bunion Progression

Bunion has four stages, and if left unchecked initially, it continues to grow more and more severe. Here are the various stages

No Deformity

There are no signs of bulging on the joint below the big toe. This is also known as a Grade 1 deformity, where no or minimal pain may be present. 

Mild Deformity

In this stage, feet start to be affected by bunions. A bulge is formed such that the metatarsal and big toe’s phalanx are inclined up to 15 to 30°. This causes discomfort and pain, but the problem does not occur frequently. 

Moderate Deformity

If you do not care about the condition, the bony bump may grow even more prominent, increasing the angle from 30 to 40°. This is considered a moderate deformity in the case of a bunion. The pain will be more frequent and severe, making wearing certain kinds of shoes difficult. 

Severe Deformity

Severe bunion deformity occurs when the big toe is noticeably inclined and a weird-looking bulge grows more outward, such that the angle between them is higher than 40°. Patients with severe deformity have redness or consistently swollen toes. Joints become stiff and painful.

Can Bunions be Treated Without Surgery?

Yes, you may treat bunions without opting for a surgical method. For a non-surgical bunion treatment, you have to keep the following things in mind:

• Conventional practices are more likely to test it if it is at a mild or moderate stage.
• Add suitable exercises to your daily routine to treat the issue without surgery. 
• Use orthotics or bunion correctors regularly to help your big toe get in shape and relieve the stabbing pain from your bunion. 
• Include podiatrist recommended sandals in your routine. They should be comfortable to walk in and not stress the already-affected joints. 
• Surgery may be a suitable option for severe bunions, where exercises and supportive footwear are not working.

Age

People at a young age may recover quickly from bunions due to strong joints and better muscle functioning. Meanwhile, recovery may be slower in people aged 60 and above, as their muscles and joints are already too weak. 

Stage of Bunion

Different stages of bunion also determine the time it takes to recover. If you have no or mild symptoms of the bunion, you may treat them in less time by ensuring proper care and preventive measures. However, the severe bunions may take longer to recover, and sometimes surgery becomes crucial. 

Type of Treatment

If you opt for surgical treatment, you will heal quicker. Conventional methods, such as exercises and the required care practices, will take a few months to recover.

Best Bunion Sandals for Fast Correction

Bunions symptoms and treatment require a special kind of orthopedic sandals. You can not neglect the role of orthopedic sandals while trying to recover from this problem. Here is a list of some APMA-approved sandals for bunions:

Aerothotic-Otis Orthopedic Casual Slides for Women

Aerothotic-Otis orthopedic Casual Slides for Women is another excellent pick that women with bunions and plantar fasciitis can consider. It offers;

• A thick polyurethane sole that allows women to walk comfortably.
• A metallic buckle on the upper body adds to the style. 
• The curvy and soft slide surface provides arch support, cushioning your feet with a secure grip and supporting them at different joints. 
• A slip-resistant, durable, well-built sole with arch support will never let you slip on the surfaces. 

This lightweight, durable, and highly affordable footwear is a must for women with foot problems in summer. You can wear it during a long working day, a walk, grocery shopping, or a beach visit to make your experience worthwhile.

Aerothotic-Odal Women’s Split Toe Sandal

Aerothotic-Odal Women’s Split Toe Sandal is a stylish footwear that complements multiple outfits and occasions. Here is a quick crisp about this split-toe sandal;

• Sole contains polyurethane gel that adjusts to your foot shape, improving comfort. 
• The upper body of the slides, which have a split-toe design, is made of soft suede leather, which prevents the big toe from stress and redness. 
• It offers arch support and a secure grip, and it is safe to walk on any surface. 
• The lightweight slides are highly durable and thoughtfully designed.

Aerothotic-Gemma Warm Women's Slipper

Aerothotic-Gemma Warm Women’s Slipper can never fail to meet your expectations of comfort and cozy slippers. This woman's favorite item offers amazing features, including;

• The surface and upper body are covered with thick faux fur, working as a cushion. 
• The sole contains polyurethane gel, adjusting the surface according to the foot’s curves. 
• No chances of slipping due to the shock-absorbing design.
• Lightweight and fit perfectly due to the precise design that fits multiple sizes.

Can Bunion Supportive Sandals Prevent Surgery?

Orthopedic sandals and APMA-approved footwear are prominent when recovering from a bunion. However, regarding a comparison and these supportive footwear, you can not expect them to reverse the condition permanently. Yes, they may relieve the pain and discomfort and improve the walking experience in people with bunions. They may even pose a delay in surgery if proper care and relevant exercises are not performed. But, if surgery is the last option or your bunion has become too severe to manage solely by simple exercises and footwear, it is preferable to go for it.

Exercises to Treat Bunions

Toe Abduction

You must sit straight on the ground or a flat surface in toe abduction. Next, move your feet before you and gently force the big toe away from the rest. Repeat this movement at least 20 times. Practice it regularly and you may notice a noticeable change in metatarsal alignment. 

Big Toe Resistance

A resistance band allows the big toe to move while stretched. To do this, you must take a tiny resistance band and secure it to any object. Then, place the other loop around your big toe and start stretching your toe in the opposite direction to the band’s other loop attached. Repeating this movement regularly will help return the big toe to its original shape, and the joint's stiffness will start to reduce. 

Sand Walking

Walking barefoot on suitable sand can help lower the severe symptoms of bunions. You may carry minimal, comfy footwear, but remember that the sand should be free of sharp objects, compact, and bearable for barefoot walking. Depending on the severity of your problem, take short breaks along the way and keep your duration small initially. This simple exercise can be a therapy for your foot ache. 

Foot Flexes

Foot flexes are an excellent movement to reduce the stiffness and stress on the big toe in bunions. You can do this exercise by spreading your feet in front of you while sitting on a flat surface. Now, stretch your toes upward slowly. Wait for a few seconds and then gently pull them downward. Repeat this movement at least 15 to 20 times. It helps improve muscle flexibility and ease in motion. 

Toe Spreads

This exercise involves all the toes, which helps improve flexibility and strength. You sit on the ground and stretch your toes as far as possible. Keep them spread briefly, then return to the previous position. Do the same movement at least 15 times. It helps increase flexibility, and gentle movements reduce bunion pain.

Foot Care Tips for Bunions

• Avoid relying on a single footwear or one kind; keep changing them to allow equal pressure distribution to the whole foot instead of any single point.
• Make a routine of using bunion correctors during the day and bunion splints at night, which helps realign the feet overnight. 
• Soak your feet in cold and warm water to reduce pain and inflammation and increase blood circulation to the affected area. 
• Keep doing the simple exercises gently and regularly at home, but avoid aggressive practices.
• Stay consistent with the care and prevention measures for better recovery.

The Bottom Line

Bunions start as small, uncomfortable bumps, but they are not something you can ignore. With time, they grow rapidly, leading to stiff joints, stressed foot muscles, and an uncomfortable situation that makes walking awkward while constantly hurting. To prevent the speedy progression of this foot problem, you should be very careful and consistent with your daily foot care, the type of footwear you use, and your lifestyle. Maintain a decent body weight and be gentle in daily activities to allow speedy recovery, preferably without surgery. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can weight affect a Bunion?

People with Bunions should maintain a healthy weight. Increased weight can be bad for bunions because it adds extra stress to the feet, making the condition more painful and uncomfortable for the affected person. 

Can Bunions be corrected with Sandals?

A bunion requires the affected individual to use specific footwear that provides support and eases the pain. However, you can not expect the condition to go away by using suitable footwear. Instead, it can prevent the condition from getting worse. 

Why is my Bunion so big?

Ignoring the Bunion for long periods and continuing to do things that may increase the stress on the affected toe joint are the key reasons a bunion grows bigger. Using shoes that are too tight, or sometimes genetics, can make the bunion appear bigger. 

What happens if you ignore bunions?

You can not ignore the Bunion, as doing so will increase its symptoms over time. Not taking appropriate treatment measures on time can cause it to grow bigger, increasing inflammation in the toe joint. Moreover, it can cause disability or severe arthritis conditions. 

Are Bunions a congenital disability?

Bunions are not a congenital disability, but the chances of getting them can be higher in children of affected individuals. Such children may have a specific foot shape and are more at risk of the problem than others.