COMMON FOOT AILMENTS
Bunions
Bunions are bony lumps that form on the side of the feet. Surgery is the only way to get rid of them, but there are things you can do to ease any pain they cause.
Symptoms of bunions include:
- Hard lumps on the sides of your feet, by your big toes
- Your big toe pointing towards your other toes
- Hard, red or swollen skin over the lump
How to ease bunion pain yourself
- Wear wide shoes with a low heel and soft sole
- Hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) to the bunion for up to 5 minutes at a time
- Try bunion pads (soft pads you put in shoes to stop them rubbing on a bunion) – you can buy these from pharmacies
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Try to lose weight if you're overweight
A Chiropodist / Podiatrist can advise you about:
- Things you can do to ease your symptoms, such as wearing wide shoes that don't squash your toes
- Things you can buy or have specially made to reduce bunion pain, such insoles (orthotics), toe spacers and toe supports (splints)
A GP may refer you to a surgeon if your bunions are very painful or having a big effect your life. Surgery isn’t done just to improve how your feet look.
