10 Incredible Natural Cures for Bunions
Thousands of Americans, particularly women, will experience at least one painful bunion in their lifetime. Bunions are a deformity in the structure of the bone, and they are commonly caused by wearing narrow or tight shoes. Luckily, bunions can be prevented if you wear the proper shoes, but there are times when injuries or genetic disorders cause them.
Most doctors will tell you that bunions can only be cured through surgery. While many cases do require surgery, there are natural cures that can help relieve the condition and the pain associated with bunions. Let’s take a look at some natural cures for bunions to try before jumping into surgery.
10 Natural Cures for Bunions
1. Ice Packs:
Bunions lead to inflammation and pain of the bone. Just like with other cases of inflammation, using a cold compress or ice pack can help to reduce the inflammation, which will also reduce the pain. You have to make sure that you apply an ice pack two or three times a day to see a real difference in the pain.
You don’t have to use a store-bought ice pack! All you need to do is put some ice cubes into a sandwich bag. Then, wrap it in a towel and apply to the area. Leave it on the area for at least 10 minutes several times per day.
2. Olive Oil:
If you need an excuse to receive a foot massage, a bunion is a great reason. Warm up some olive oil and massage the area with the bunion, along with your toes and lower foot. The best results come when you massage for 15 minutes twice a day.
Massaging the area helps to improve the circulation and blood flow to your entire foot and toes. Doing so allows fluid to move freely around the bones, especially the area with the bunion. Improved fluid movement nourishes and lubricates your joints. Over time, doing so can reduce the layers of calcium of the bunion, therefore reducing the size of the bunion!
3. Epsom Salt:
Sometimes, I wonder what Epsom salt cannot cure. It is one of the best natural remedies to keep in your cabinet. They are fantastic for bunions. You will find that Epsom salt can reduce the pain and inflammation because it contains magnesium sulfate. It also helps to soften your skin. Who doesn’t want softer feet?
To use Epsom salt to cure your bunions, you need to dissolve one-half cup of Epsom salt in a bucket of warm water. Soak your feet for 30 minutes. Do so daily for the best results.
4. Eat Inflammation Reducing Foods:
Including the right foods in your diet is crucial to reducing inflammation around your painful bunion. Some great foods to include are:
- Lemons
- Oranges
- Kiwis
- Pumpkin seeds
- Flaxseed oil
- Pineapples
- Tomatoes
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collard greens
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Sardines
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Cherries
At the same time, you want to avoid foods that cause inflammation. Unfortunately, those foods tend to be the ones that most people enjoy. Inflammation causing foods increase white bread, pastries, pasta, French fries, fried foods, soda, sweetened beverages, red meat, hot dogs, margarine, and lard.
Chances are you already love several of these foods! Pineapples, for example, are a natural source of bromelain, which can decrease the size of your bunion. If you aren’t a fan of pineapples but want to try bromelain, you can also purchase it in capsule forms. Take one of those daily.
5. Aspirin Soak:
If you like the idea of an Epsom salt soak, chances are you will like the idea of an aspirin soak. Aspirin is a well-known cure for bunions. You need to take three to four tablets and grind them up. Add them to a bucket of warm water. Let your feet soak for 30 minutes. The aspirin soak will reduce swelling and help relieve your pain. However, some people do notice skin irritation, so pay attention!
6. Castor Oil:
Another great natural remedy for bunions is castor oil. You apply warm castor oil to the location of your bunion, which helps to reduce swelling and pain. For this method to work effectively, you need to do so for more than one day in a row and three times per day.
Some people swear that castor oil helps to cure their bunion entirely! Castor oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help to get rid of the inflammation.
7. Red Peppers:
Are you shocked to see that red peppers could reduce your bunion pain? The reason is that red peppers contain an active ingredient called capsaicin that helps to deplete the nerves of compounds responsible for your pain.
You can’t just eat red peppers to reap the benefits. Cut a red pepper in half and rub the juice of the pepper right onto the bunion. Do so daily for ideal results
8. Calendula:
Calendula is a fantastic herb to help bunions. If you want to use it effectively, crush it into a pulp and apply it to your bunions. Doing so will help to relieve the pain.
9. Turmeric:
Turmeric works just like red pepper and other hot spices because it contains capsaicin that will reduce inflammation and pain. It can be hard to consume turmeric straight though! Try dissolving one teaspoon of turmeric in an 8-ounce glass of water or milk. Looking for more benefits of Turmeric then read this article
8. Chamomile:
If you want another herb that can help cure bunions, chamomile is a great choice. Chamomile is calming and contains anti-inflammatory properties that can lead to the reduction in the size of the bunion. Chamomile also reduces the pain. You can make a delicious cup of chamomile tea and then apply the used teabags to your bunion.
One of the easiest ways to treat bunions is to avoid them all together. Wearing properly fitting shoes is key, and one of the reasons why women tend to experience them more often. High heels and tight shoes lead to bunions more often.
If you find yourself faced with a painful bunion, try one of these ten natural cures for bunions. Chances are you will experience some relief!
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