Throbbing bunion pain at night can be a particularly debilitating and disruptive condition as it can interfere with sleep and make it difficult to get the rest that is needed for good health.
The pain of a bunion may be particularly pronounced at night when there is less activity and distractions to help cope with the discomfort.
Throbbing Bunion Pain at Night?
How to Help Throbbing Bunion Pain at Night
Throbbing bunion pain at night can be a very frustrating and disruptive issue. It can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep and can also make it hard to walk and move around comfortably during the day. If you are suffering from bunion pain at night, there are a few things you can try to find relief.
Bunion Splints
One option to help alleviate bunion pain at night is to wear a bunion splint. Bunion splints are designed to gently correct the alignment of your big toe and can help to reduce the pressure and discomfort caused by a bunion. They are typically worn at night and can be adjusted to fit your foot comfortably.
Apply Ice
Applying ice to your bunion can help to reduce swelling and inflammation which can in turn help to reduce pain. To use ice to help with bunion pain at night fill a plastic bag with ice wrap it in a thin towel and apply it to your bunion for 15-20 minutes at a time. Be sure to not leave the ice on for too long as it could cause frostbite.
Late Night Stretching
Stretching your feet and toes can help to relieve bunion pain especially if you do it before going to bed at night. There are several stretches that you can try such as:
- Toe spreads: Sit in a comfortable position and place a towel under your foot. Use your toes to scrunch the towel up then spread it out again. Repeat this process several times.
- Toe curls: Sit in a comfortable position and place a small object such as a marble under your foot. Use your toes to pick the object up and move it around.
- Toe stretches: Sit in a comfortable position and place a rubber band around your toes. Gently stretch your toes apart holding the position for a few seconds before releasing.
Wearing Wider Shoes
Wearing shoes that are too narrow or too tight can put extra pressure on your bunion which can exacerbate pain. If you are suffering from bunion pain at night, try wearing shoes that are wider and more spacious to give your toes more room to move around.
Physical Therapy
If your bunion pain is severe and is not responding to other treatments it may be worth considering physical therapy. A physical therapist can help you to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your feet and toes which can help to reduce bunion pain. They may also be able to recommend other treatments such as taping or orthotics to help alleviate your pain.
Why is Bunion Pain Worse at Night?
Bunion pain can be a major hindrance, especially at night when we’re trying to get some rest. But why does it seem to be worse at night? Well, there are a few reasons.
- When we’re inactive and not moving around as much our feet have a chance to swell. This added pressure on the bunion can increase discomfort.
- The position we sleep in can also play a role. If we’re sleeping on our side or with our legs crossed the bunion may be getting more pressure and causing more pain.
- Our bodies naturally go through cycles of pain and inflammation and it’s possible that these cycles may be more pronounced at night.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing throbbing bunion pain at night, it is important to take steps to address the underlying cause of the pain. In some cases, physical therapy or surgery may be necessary to fully resolve the issue. Overall it is important to seek treatment for bunion pain as it can help to alleviate discomfort and improve your overall quality of life.
