Around 33.4% of Americans have some type of foot deformity. The most common was hammertoes. They make up 44.3% of cases.

Hallus vagus, or bunions, are another one of the most common conditions of the feet. They often happen together and cause similar symptoms. Are there ways to kill two birds with one stone and reduce the symptoms of both?

Read on to learn four of the best remedies for bunions and hammertoes.

1. Wearing Proper Footwear or Orthotic Devices

One of the most important parts of toe deformity prevention is wearing properly-fitting footwear.

Look for shoes with wide boxes that give your toes plenty of room to move. Avoid any tight, pointy shoes or high heels. They’ll push your feet into unnatural positions. This can cause any toe deformities or make them worse.

Another one of the best foot health tips is to consider over-the-counter or prescription orthotic inserts such as bunion splints or toe pads. They go into your shoes and relieve pain by keeping your foot in a more natural position.

2. Physical Therapy Exercises

Try physical therapy for relief from bunions and hammertoes. Regular stretches and strengthening exercises help reverse muscle imbalances. They can also straighten out hammertoes.

A few of the best exercises to start with include:

• Point and curls
• Spread-outs
• Circles
• Abdjustioncs with an exercise band
• Ball rolls
• Marble pickups
• Towel grip and pulls
• Figure eights
• Heel raises

3. Applying Ice, Soaks, or Compresses

Applying ice is one of the simplest forms of orthopedic foot care. Use a compress or massage it over your bunion or hammertoe after you’ve been on your feet for a while. It reduces inflammation and swelling when it’s used properly.

You can try a variety of soothing soaks and compresses when ice just won’t do the trick. A few of the best options include:

• Chamomile-infused Epsom salt soaks
• Cayenne-infused ginger compresses
• Lavender-infused flaxseed oil
• Aloe vera and tea tree balms

4. Surgery

Surgeries are effective but more intensive bunion and hammertoe treatment options. Look to other, more conservative options first. Talk to a surgeon if they don’t relieve your symptoms.

There are several ways for surgery to provide bunion pain relief. It reduces or removes your symptoms using methods such as:

• Removing damaged tissue
• Realigning bones
• Correcting joint abnormalities

Proper recovery from hammer toe surgery means resting for the first two to three weeks. Remember to keep your foot elevated. Physical therapy exercises help, and you’ll have to go on the hunt for new shoes. After that, you’ll be able to return to your normal activities.

Get Personalized Treatment for Bunions and Hammertoes

The best non-invasive remedies for foot deformities such as bunions and hammertoes include proper footwear, orthotic inserts, physical therapy exercises, and applying ice or soothing soaks. Serious cases may require surgical intervention to relieve your symptoms.

The Team at Flint Foot and Ankle Institute is dedicated to helping you through your healing journey. We present all the available options so you can choose the best one for you. We then continually support you as you heal. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.