Dear Savvy Senior,
I’m a 62-year-old woman and have had a bunion on my big toe for years, but lately it’s become more painful and is making it hard to find comfortable shoes. I’d like to avoid surgery if possible. What can I do to ease the discomfort and keep it from getting worse?
Sore Toe Susan
Dear Susan,
You’re not alone. Bunions are very common, especially among women, and they often become more painful with age as the joint shifts out of alignment and inflammation sets in. What may have started as a minor nuisance can turn into ongoing discomfort, making it difficult to find shoes that fit comfortably.
A bunion, known medically as hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint moves out of place, causing the toe to angle inward. Over time, this pushes the joint outward, creating the noticeable bump.
Why it happens
While tight or narrow shoes can make bunions worse, they’re usually not the root cause. Genetics plays a major role, which is why bunions often run in families. Other factors like flat feet, arthritis, and past foot injuries can also contribute. Women tend to be more prone to them, partly due to years of wearing high heels or shoes with narrow toe boxes.
The good news is that most bunions can be managed without surgery, especially if your goal is to ease symptoms and slow their progression.
Simple relief
The first place to start is with your shoes. Switching to footwear with a wide toe box, soft materials, and good arch support can make a big difference, while high heels and tight shoes that crowd your toes should be avoided. It can also help to shop later in the day, when your feet are slightly swollen, for a more realistic fit.
Beyond footwear, a few simple steps can help ease the pressure. Padding the area with over-the-counter bunion cushions can reduce friction, and if the joint becomes sore or swollen, icing it for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day may bring relief.
Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can also help, if your doctor says they are appropriate for you.
To further reduce strain, orthotic inserts, either store-bought or custom, can improve how your foot distributes weight. Toe spacers can also help by keeping the toes in a more natural position, while a night splint, such as Dr. Scholl’s Bunion Relief & Toe Corrector (about $20), can gently guide the big toe into better alignment while you sleep.
It may also help to rotate your shoes rather than wearing the same pair every day, reducing repeated pressure. In addition, gentle exercises, such as stretching your toes, picking up small objects, or rolling your foot over a tennis ball, can help maintain flexibility.
It is important to keep expectations realistic. These steps will not eliminate a bunion, but they can make it more manageable.
When to get help
If your bunion pain interferes with daily activities, or if you are developing corns, calluses or ongoing inflammation, it is wise to see a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist. They can evaluate the severity and recommend additional treatments.
Also seek care if you notice redness, warmth or significant swelling, which could signal irritation or infection around the joint.
Surgery is typically advised only when conservative measures no longer provide relief. Today’s procedures are more advanced than in the past and are often done on an outpatient basis, though recovery can take up to six months and bunions can sometimes recur.
In the meantime, taking steps to protect your feet can go a long way. With the right care, many people are able to manage bunions effectively and stay comfortable, active and on their feet.
Journalist and senior advocate Jim Miller is the creator of Savvy Senior, a weekly information column devoted to older adults that appears in more than 250 U.S. newspapers and magazines. He is also the author of The Savvy Senior: The Ultimate Guide to Health, Family and Finances for Senior Citizens (Hyperion) and is frequently featured in major media outlets, including Time, USA Today, The New York Times, CNBC and CNN.
