Bunions can be pretty bothersome to most people because they make wearing shoes uncomfortable. Apart from discomfort, bunions can also cause immense pain. However, you shouldn't wait for your bunions to worsen to see a podiatrist. Always act as soon as the bunions start forming. 

There are many bunion treatments that can help you recover. Here are the most common forms of bunion treatments that your podiatrist might recommend:

Massage and Exercise

Exercising your feet is a great way to treat bothersome bunions and relieve any pain that's associated with them. There are many simple foot exercises that can provide some much-needed bunion relief. Regular foot exercises can also help strengthen the muscles that control your big toe, helping it to regain its normal shape. 

Apart from foot exercises, you might want to have your feet massaged regularly. Foot massage can help strengthen the muscles and ligaments of your big toe. Foot massage can also offer some bunion relief after a long day of work.

Bunion Pads

If you're looking for a temporary solution for your bunion pain, you might want to try bunion pads. These products are known to offer comfort and relieve bunion pain when wearing shoes.

Most pads have a dual cushioning layer that will ease friction and shoe pressure. Wearing bunion pads is often the first part of your treatment plan, and it can help you continue a normal, active life as you prepare for bunion surgery. 

Foot Orthotics

Your podiatrist might recommend that you use foot orthotics in an attempt to relieve bunion pain. Just like other bunion products, orthotics are only meant to provide a temporary fix. Orthotics typically come in the form of shoe inserts, a product that should provide structural support to your foot and limit bunion progression by improving foot alignment. 

Although bunion-specific orthotics aren't available, your podiatrist can create custom prescription orthotics for you. 

Bunion Surgery

Bunion surgery is the most effective form of available bunion treatments, and is the only treatment that offers a permanent solution. It can be intrusive, but it will help you to re-align any displaced bones. Bunion surgery comes in various forms, which include a Chevron bunionectomy and a Lapidus bunionectomy. The type of bunion surgery will determine whether you'll wear a brace or dressings for a few weeks. 

Visit a podiatrist for an examination and a recommendation for the ideal bunion treatment plan for your situation.