When is anti-inflammatory medication recommended for bunions?

A bunion is a change in alignment at the base of the big toe. Pressure from shoes can irritate the nearby tissues, causing soreness, redness, or swelling. An anti-inflammatory medicine may ease that irritation for a limited period, but it does not straighten the toe or remove the underlying prominence. A clinician should check whether the pain comes from the bunion, a joint problem, skin irritation, or another condition. The choice depends on your medical history and other medicines.

Choose shoes with enough room at the toes and avoid footwear that presses the bunion. A cold pack wrapped in cloth may calm swelling for short periods. Ask a pharmacist or clinician before using medicine if you have stomach ulcers, kidney or heart problems, high blood pressure, are pregnant, or take blood thinners. Follow the label or prescription and do not combine products with the same active ingredient. Learn more in [Bunions]( /conditions/bunions/ ) and [Anti-Inflammatory Medication]( /treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/anti-inflammatory-medication/ ).

Arrange an assessment if pain persists, footwear changes no longer help, or walking is becoming difficult. Seek prompt care for sudden severe pain, a hot red joint, an open sore, spreading redness, fever, or a toe that becomes pale, blue, numb, or cold.

Ask: Is the pain from the bunion or another problem? Which medicine is safe with my conditions? How long should I use it? Would an orthotic, toe spacer, or other treatment help? When should surgery be discussed?