Bunions are often quite unsightly, but that's not their only issue. In fact, many people find that the pain caused by bunions is very difficult to manage, and can often disrupt their everyday life. Bunions are a type of deformity that forms at the base of the big toe, usually as a result of arthritis, wearing tight shoes, and other problems related to the foot, which can sometimes be genetic.
Here, we're going to take a look at 9 natural ways to help prevent bunions, so you can take steps to reduce your chances of suffering from this uncomfortable condition.
1. Wear the right shoes
It might seem pretty simplistic, but the first on our list of 9 natural ways to help prevent bunions is to make sure that you wear the right shoes. Wearing shoes that are comfortable for your feet will avoid unnatural pressure against your foot that might lead to the formation of swelling and bunions.
2. Olive oil
If you feel that you might be prone to bunions, then a warm olive-oil massage can help to improve the comfort and lubrication around the joints in your foot, meaning that it's less likely for a bunion to form. This can even help after bunions have already formed, to encourage the synovial fluid to move around the bones normally.
3. Ice packs
Using cold ice packs after you've been out walking for long periods of time can help to reduce swelling and ensure that your chances of having bunions are limited. Additionally, ice packs can reduce the pain associated with bunions.
4. Castor oil
Castor oil is an anti-inflammatory agent and analgesic that is often used to treat bunions. You simply apply it to the skin around your big toe to help improve the lubrication around the joint and limit the risk of further complications.
5. Cayenne pepper
This type of pepper is an excellent way to relieve pain, and it also contains various compounds that work on swelling and inflammation so that you're less likely to end up with an unsightly bump around your joint on your big toe.
6. Epsom salt
Epsom salt is one of the most common on our list of 9 natural ways to help prevent bunions. It's a unique anti-inflammatory agent that can help to reduce swelling around the big toe. Usually, soaking your feet in Epsom salt water can help you to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible when a bunion might be incoming.
7. Ginger
Ginger is ideal for reducing inflammation around an area that's prone to bunions, and it can also increase the circulation of blood in the area so that a bunion is restricted from growing too big. Include at least one piece of ginger in your diet every day.
8. Turmeric
Turmeric is a pain-reducing agent and anti-inflammatory that should be powdered before consumption. Turmeric can also be added to massage oils to improve circulation in your feet and limit bunion growth.
9. Massage
Last on our list of 9 natural ways to help prevent bunions is massage. Inflammatory conditions can often be eased by massage, and you can reduce the amount of discomfort around the joint with regular self-massage, before and after suffering from a bunion.