Bunion treatment
Reading time: 3 min | Last updated: 28 January 2026
Let’s talk about bunions – those pesky bumps at the base of your big toe that can really hurt. While a bunion may not always cause discomfort, it can worsen over time and eventually demand your attention. Let’s explore several types of bunion treatment.
Bunion treatment
While surgery is the only way to fully remove a bunion, there are plenty of non-invasive ways to treat the symptoms and walk comfortably again. We’ll explain them in more detail below.
Treatments for bunions:
1 | Shoes
Ditch the narrow, pointy shoes that crowd your toes and push your big toe inward. What your feet really need is space.
A good treatment for bunion pain are shoes with a roomy toe box, soft materials, and supportive soles. Find Wolky’s shoes for bunions here.
2 | Orthotics
Orthotics and insoles can help realign your step and reduce pressure on the bunion. Discuss your options with a podiatrist.
3 | Physiotherapy
In more severe cases, a physiotherapist can recommend exercises that may help stop your bunion from getting worse. Stretches and strengthening exercises are usually the way to go.
4 | Medical advice
If the pain is consistent or worsening, a visit to a podiatrist is worthwhile. They can offer tailored advice, create custom insoles, or in more serious cases, discuss surgical options.
Want to know more about bunions? Read it in our blog: Help! I have bunions.
Home treatments for bunions
While we recommend getting medical advice, we understand if you’re not quite ready for that. There are some home treatments for bunions you can try.
1 | Gentle stretching
At home, you can try gently stretching exercises to keep your toes flexible and relieve pressure.
2 | Keep it cool
Ice packs help reduce swelling after a long day. They may also help relieve some of the pain from wearing shoes all day.
3 | Bunions pads or cushions
Another at-home treatment for bunions are bunion pads or cushions. They stop your shoes from rubbing against the sensitive bump and form a protective layer. Make sure you choose pads that can be worn inside your shoes.
Read more about our best shoes for bunions here.
Do's for bunions
✓ Choose shoes with a wider toe box.
✓ Look for soft, flexible materials that won’t irritate the bunion.
✓ Add insoles or orthotics for extra support.
✓ Stretch your toes regularly to keep joints mobile.
Don'ts for bunions
✘ Avoid high heels that force weight onto the front of your foot.
✘ Skip shoes with hard seams or rigid uppers.
✘ Don’t ignore discomfort.
✘ Avoid buying shoes based on style alone – comfort should come first. (Check out our fashionable shoes for bunions).
✘ Don’t go barefoot on hard floors for long periods.
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