Wearing high-heeled or tight shoes for a long time is not the only cause of bunions. The painful bumps that develop in the joints of the big toes and occasionally on the joints of little toes may occur due to a foot injury or arthritis. Bunions even run in families. Although surgery is needed in most cases, home remedies are often effective in providing temporary relief from the persistent or occasional bunion pain.
Given Below Are Some Simple Home Remedies That Help In Easing Bunion Pain:
Applying Ice Pack
Applying ice pack to the swollen area is the most effective remedy for pain. Ice helps in numbing the area and aids in reducing the inflammation. However, do not apply ice directly to the skin. Wrap the ice in a thin cotton cloth and then place it on the bump. While applying ice, raise your affected foot to ensure that the toe is above the heart. Apply ice for up to 20 minutes, twice or thrice a day.
Foot Soak
Soaking your foot in warm water helps in soothing the pain. For better result, dissolve a tablespoon of Epsom salt in the warm water. The foot bath helps in relaxing the muscles, aids in drawing out toxins from the foot and improves circulation, thereby providing temporary relief from bunion pain.
Bay Leaf Poultice and Tea
The anti-inflammatory activity of bay leaves helps in alleviating pain and swelling. Applying bay leaves poultice, made by combining bay leaves paste with castor oil, to the bunion helps in reducing the pain. Folk healers also recommend drinking bay leaf tea to get rid of the pain. To prepare bay leaf tea, pour two glasses of water in a container, add two bay leaves and simmer for five minutes. Drink the tea every morning.
Red Pepper Paste
Mix a teaspoon of hot red pepper powder with a teaspoon of olive oil and apply the paste on the bunion. Capsaicin, the main bioactive constituent of red pepper, is a powerful natural analgesic. It obstructs transmission of the pain signals, thereby providing fast relief from bunion pain.
Turmeric Paste
Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory activity, which helps in reducing swelling and pain. Applying turmeric paste to the painful bumps can reduce bunion pain. Combine a teaspoon of turmeric powder with equal amount of warm olive oil and apply it on the bunion. When applied daily, it helps in reducing the pain.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains a number of minerals including magnesium, potassium, and calcium and phosphorous that helps in maintaining the healthy functioning of the joint tissues. Moreover, pectin found in apple cider vinegar is a powerful detoxification agent that helps in inhibiting accumulation of toxins in the joint that tend to worsen the pain. To reduce the bunion pain, mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a teaspoon of olive oil and apply it to the bunion. You may even mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and drink it before meals, thrice daily.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is traditionally used as a remedy for joint and muscle pains. It can also help in alleviating bunion pain. Ricinoleic acid, the main constituent of castor oil, has powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. To get rid of the bunion pain, warm two tablespoons of castor oil and apply the warm oil to the affected area. Cover the bunion with gauze. You may apply castor oil several times a day.
