An estimated four million Americans are affected by bunions. These bony growths can be embarrassing, painful and can lead to more serious foot problems if left untreated. This guide is designed to show you how to treat bunions.

Bunions are caused when the bone under the big toe becomes displaced, sometimes due to arthritis or bone degeneration. The result is a bony growth on the side of the foot, at the point where the big toe meets the foot (the bunion joint). If bunions are left untreated, the big toe may shift further toward the rest of the toes and, in some cases, shifts so far over that it comes to rest under the second toe. This can push the second toe upwards and cause another potentially painful foot problem known as hammertoe.

A common misconception regarding bunions is that they are caused by wearing high-heeled or tight shoes. In reality, bunions are usually linked to heredity, so if members of your family have bunions, you are more likely to be afflicted with them as well. However, wearing high heels and tight shoes can make bunions worse and more painful, so either wear sandals or shoes that have large toe boxes, thus reducing the pressure on your bunions.

There are several different types of foamy pads or shields you can get to help reduce the pressure placed on your bunions. These pads range in price and complexity, but are usually circular or oval in shape with a hole in the middle. You should be able to find a selection of bunion pads at your local drugstore or specialty shoe store.

To reduce the pain and swelling commonly associated with bunions, apply ice to the affected area two or three times a day. Be sure to wrap the ice in a towel before applying it to avoid frostbite and don't ice the area for more than 20 minutes at a time. When you're sitting down, elevating your foot by resting it on a chair or table may also help reduce swelling.

Bunions are a medical issue and will not go away on their own. Although the above noted treatments may help alleviate the symptoms associated with bunions, you should still consult a doctor or podiatrist for further treatment. Depending on the severity of your bunions, your doctor or podiatrist may recommend other methods of bunion treatment, including:

1. Custom-made orthodic insoles
2. Specially designed bunion splints
3. Specific bunion exercises
4. Surgeryhttp://bodyandhealth.canada.com/condition_info_details.asp?disease_id=306

• Although wearing sandals or loose shoes, using bunion pads and icing your bunions will help alleviate the pain and swelling that often accompanies bunions, you should still consult a doctor for further treatment. If left untreated, bunions can get larger, more painful and may also cause further foot problems.

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The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.