Getting painful swelling on the side of my big toe. Can’t get into a foot specialist fast. How do I manage this at home?

Experiencing painful swelling on the side of your big toe can be both uncomfortable and concerning. This condition is often associated with bunions, which are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of your big toe. While waiting for a professional consultation, there are several steps you can take at home to manage the pain and swelling effectively.

Bunions develop when the bones in the front part of your foot move out of place. This causes the tip of your big toe to get pulled toward the smaller toes and forces the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out. Factors such as wearing tight, narrow shoes, genetic predisposition, and certain foot shapes can contribute to the formation of bunions.

Common symptoms of a bunion include a visible bump on the side of the big toe, swelling, redness, or soreness around the big toe joint, corns or calluses where the first and second toes overlap, and persistent or intermittent pain. If you notice these symptoms, it’s likely you are dealing with a bunion.

To alleviate pain, start by applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day. This can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Elevating your foot can also help decrease swelling. Additionally, soaking your foot in warm water with Epsom salts may provide temporary relief.

Reducing swelling involves a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Avoid activities that put pressure on your foot, use ice packs as mentioned, and consider wearing a compression bandage to support the area. Elevating your foot above heart level can also help decrease swelling.