Bunions, that bony bump at the base of the big toe. It’s not only unsightly, it can also be painful. Older women might be especially bothered by bunions since they can make them self-conscious when they wear sandals. Your older family member may have bunions that don’t require surgery or maybe they just don’t want to have surgery. So, are there other ways they can deal with bunions besides surgery? Yes! Below are some tips for dealing with bunions without going under the knife.
Switch Shoes
Those pointy toed shoes might by your elderly aunt’s favorites, but they could be making her bunions worse. Wearing roomy, comfortable shoes that give the toes the space they need can help to relieve bunions.
Achieve and Maintain a Healthy Weight
Carrying excess weight places more pressure on feet, including the big toe joint. Losing some weight will make feet more comfortable and also reduce the risk for several other health problems, like heart disease and stroke.
Try Bunion Pads
Purchase non-medicated bunion pads at the pharmacy. They protect the bunion and reduce some of the pressure placed on them. Alternatively, the doctor could teach your aging relative how to tape their foot to keep the toes in a normal position, reducing pain and pressure.
Do Foot Exercises
There are several exercises that can improve foot flexibility and mobility, which may be lost due to bunions. The exercises can also help to relieve bunion pain. A doctor or therapist can teach the older adult how to do the exercises or you can learn about them online.
Use Ice
Ice can dull the pain of bunions and reduce inflammation. However, don’t apply ice directly to the foot as it can damage skin and underlying tissues. Instead, wrap an ice pack in a towel before putting it on the foot.
Wear a Splint
Ask the senior’s doctor about a splint they can wear at night to keep the toes in the proper position. This will help to ease the pain caused by the big toe bending toward the other toes.
Painkillers
If your aging relative’s doctor has approved the use of over the counter painkillers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, the senior can use them in moderation to relieve pain.
Elderly care can help older adults with bunions to ease pain and inflammation at home. An elderly care provider can assist them with positioning bunion pads correctly and getting their shoes on without causing more pain. Elderly care providers can also prepare and apply an ice pack to the foot. If the older adult wears a splint at night, an elderly care provider can help them to put it on.
Sources
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-ways-to-ease-your-bunions-without-surgery/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bunions/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354805
https://www.everydayhealth.com/foot-health/8-foot-exercises-for-bunions.aspx
If you are considering senior care in West Memorial, TX, for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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