How To Shrink Bunions Naturally In 7 Ways!

Reddit has been bursting with one question these days – how to shrink bunions naturally? While some Redditors have suggested wearing wider shoes, others have asked to curl your toes. Some have even gone to the extent of suggesting surgeries. However, for the unversed, there are multiple natural modes to deal with this medical issue. This post will explore some of the key ways for you – 

How do bunions develop? 

For those coming from a non-medical background, a bunion is a bony lump that is formed at your big toe’s base. One of the most painful of foot ailments, this develops on your first metatarsal bone when your big toe moves towards the second toe. 

Though there are no specific reasons for the development of bunions, but mostly poor footwear, genetic issues, obesity, pregnancy, or even conditions like rheumatoid arthritis are the primary causes. 

In this post, we will explore some non-surgical options to shrink your bunions. 

How to shrink bunions naturally?

Some of the natural techniques are – 

1. Oil massage 

Pick out either castor oil or olive oil to massage your bunions into shrinking! We will unveil the secrets here – both castor and olive oil have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. So, when you massage any of these oils (warm them before using), they decalcify the bunions and reduce the swelling. 

Massage for 20-25 minutes and wrap the area in a warm towel for another 20 minutes to see the desired results. 

2. Soaking feet in Epsom salt water 

Epsom salt is an amazing healing agent and works as a fantastic pain reliever, all thanks to the magnesium sulfate in it. Let us show you how to use it – 

Fill a basin of warm water and add 150 grams (half a cup according to US standards) of Epsom salt it. Add a few drops of essential oil to it (peppermint or lavender works best)! Mix it well and soak your feet in it for 30 minutes. Do it twice a day to derive the best results! 

3. Combining hot and cold therapies 

Only a hot bag or ice pack does not help much. How about combining both? Well, to ease the discomfort from a prominently growing bunion, you can mix both alternatively. While heat therapies relax sore muscles and improve blood flow – cold therapies constrict the blood vessels, thereby reducing inflammation. 

So, if at one go you are using a hot bag to ease the pain, at the next shot, use an ice pack. Also, ensure to use both these therapies for a minimum of 20 minutes each. 

4. Multiple toe exercises 

If you are looking to see how to shrink bunions naturally then we would suggest you some exercises as well. Officially referred to as Foot Mobilisation Therapy, this strengthens the big toe and the muscles of that area. The 3 most recommended exercises are – 

• Start by pointing your toes straight ahead for 10 seconds. After that, curl your toes for the next 10 seconds. Repeat this stretching 10 times. 
• Take a towel and put it beneath your toes. After that, curl your toes and pull the towel towards you. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds and repeat this 10 times. 
• Lastly, use one hand to pull the big toe into an alignment. Hold this position for 10 seconds and gently let it go. Repeat this 3 times. 

Apart from these exercises, do not forget to wiggle your toes twice a day. 

5. Silicon gel protection pads 

For those who wish to avoid surgery and have already indulged in the aforementioned natural techniques, here is another add-on that you can try. Silicon gel protection pads assist in releasing the build-up pressure on your toes. This naturally eases the swelling and prevents the bunion from becoming worse. 

Most of these gel pads are made of bio-materials and are professionally designed. Therefore, they are easy to use, especially while indulging in exercise or even walking. At times, doctors suggest you sleep wearing them as well. 

6. Foot accessories 

Wondering how to shrink bunions naturally with footwear accessories? We have the answer right here! There are multiple options available for you like – bunion gel pads or moleskin pads. They cover the bunion and the pressure points to protect it from further irritation. 

Apart from that, you can find bunion correctors, toe spacers and bunion splint wraps. The correctors offer pain relief, while the splint wrap is a kind of sleeve that prevents discomfort to the toes, especially when you sleep at night. 

7. Bunion specialized footwear 

The last of the ways that you can use for naturally shrinking the bunions is – specialized footwear. According to experts, the right type of shoes that assist in easing bunions over time must-have features like – minimal arch support and elevated heels, wide toe boxes that help in spreading your feet, and finally flexible and lightweight design. At the end of the day, what matters is – that your feet, while moving, must have ample breathing space. 

Apart from all these above-mentioned natural ways to get rid of bunions, you must essentially maintain a healthy weight (according to your BMI). This will assuredly help you reduce putting considerable weight on your foot. 

Can you permanently remove the bunions? 

Bunions cannot be reversed. The only way to permanently remove it is by surgery (Bunionectomy). There are multiple surgical ways to remove the bunions and your doctor will decide on the correct one for you. 

When to see a doctor for bunion treatment? 

If you have been reading this post, you have already gained clarity on how to shrink bunions naturally. Assuming you have tried out a handful of tricks mentioned here, and seen no respite for over a week now – it is time to visit a doctor. 

Here are some other situations wherein you need to visit the doctor immediately with your bunion – 

• Are you experiencing redness and swelling? Or is it causing you to change your gait? You must see the doctor right away! 
• If you have any inherent medical condition (diabetes, arthritis) that is directly affecting your bunions, then you will be required to visit the doctor. 
• Do you have consistent pain in your foot? Then, you will need to schedule an appointment with the doctor. 

Parting thoughts 

There are multiple ways to treat bunions apart from opting for Bunionectomy. The most important of it all is to wear footwear that is perfectly aligned with your foot. 

We hope that this expert-backed post on how to shrink bunions naturally will assist you in dealing with it. Follow these techniques well, and you will get to see for yourself how your big foot is in a better situation. Let us know in the comments section how you liked our blog and if you want to hear more from us. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Why wearing the correct shoe is crucial for bunion treatment? 

It is no secret that wearing the wrong pair of shoes – especially those with arched support and raised heels is the key cause of bunions. The fact that your big toe does not get the place to breathe results in the bunions. Therefore, one must be cautious about the ‘shoe size’ and also keep note of the toe space offered to ensure ease while walking. 

2. What to do if the bunion is a bone?

Though foot mobilization therapy or physical therapy is beneficial temporarily; if the bunion is a bone then surgery is the only option.

3. What surgical procedures can treat bunions? 

The medics treat bunions through surgical procedures like – osteotomy, exosectomy, ligament and tendon repair, arthroplasty, and arthrodesis. Depending on the type of bunions, the doctors opt for the surgery.