Do I have a bunion?
A bunion (hallux valgus) is a deformity at the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint—where the foot bones meet the bones in the big toe. Bunions are common foot problems that can cause discomfort and affect the quality of life.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the deformity occurs when the big toe joint becomes swollen and a bony bump forms. This deformity causes the big toe to tilt toward the second toe, causing the MTP joint to move out of alignment.
A mild bunion may be asymptomatic and not require treatment. However, as the joint’s stability deteriorates and symptoms worsen, people can experience severe bunion pain.
The following symptoms may be an indication a bunion is present:
- Bony bump
- The big toe tilts toward the second toe
- Swelling, redness, warmth, or soreness due to inflammation
- Corns or calluses between the big toe and second toe
- Ongoing or intermittent pain increases in severity.
A painful bunion can affect your daily activities. A consultation with an expert podiatrist at The Bunion Institute will allow you to explore all treatment options to get relief.
How can I treat bunion discomfort?
Non-surgical treatment options and lifestyle changes can slow a bunion’s progression and provide pain relief. Relief can be found through home remedies, orthotics, and other treatments.
Conservative bunion treatment options include:
1. Comfortable shoes
Comfortable shoes help manage bunion discomfort. The best are well-fitting shoes made from soft material, with a wide toe box and arch support. Narrow shoes and high heels should be avoided.
2. Orthotics, insoles, and shoe inserts
Custom orthotics are medical devices tailored to your feet. They act as shock absorbers to remove pressure and stress from the painful area. Custom orthotics require a prescription from a board-certified podiatrist.
Over-the-counter orthotics are available at drug stores. They provide limited cushioning and support for the general population.
A standard insole is located at the bottom of a shoe’s inside. Additional insoles, which are separate and sometimes called shoe inserts, are designed to bolster standard insoles by providing additional support and cushioning.
3. Ice and over-the-counter pain medication
Applying an icepack to the bunion for 10 to 15 minutes several times daily can reduce inflammation and relieve soreness and pain.
Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—ibuprofen and naproxen—can also provide pain relief and reduce inflammation.
Follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional if you have underlying medical conditions and are taking other medications.
4. Bunion pads, toe spacers, and splints
Non-medicated bunion pads act as a buffer between your foot and shoe. Bunion toe separators fit between the big toe and the second toe to prevent friction.
Bunion toe splints temporarily straighten the big toe, reducing pain and discomfort. Since splints cannot be worn with shoes, they are usually worn at home.
5. Exercise and therapy
We can use both physical therapy and ultrasound therapy to relieve bunion symptoms. Physical therapy provides relief for inflammation and bunion pain. Ultrasound therapy is a popular technique for treating bunions and their associated soft tissue involvement.
Performing regular toe exercises—i.e., toe lifts, toe stretches, and toe curls–designed for both treatment and prevention can keep your feet healthy and free of surgery.
6. Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes are also a bunion treatment option. Lifestyle changes can significantly influence the management of progression and symptoms.
These lifestyle changes include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Following a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight; this reduces pressure on your feet and slows bunion progression.
- Low-impact activities: Incorporating low-impact exercises provides cardiovascular benefits without putting additional stress on your feet. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen.
What if conservative treatments don’t provide any relief?
Nonsurgical treatments and lifestyle changes may alleviate symptoms early in the process. But they are not curative. When symptoms are ignored, the pain and deformity will grow more severe over time.
If conservative treatments have failed, and quality of life is affected—difficulty walking, working, and wearing shoes—surgery may be an option. Bunion surgery (bunionectomy) is curative and can restore the big toe joint and ligaments to their normal position. Surgery addresses the entire foot structure to resolve the deformity and return to normal functioning.
Bunion surgeons at The Bunion Institute assess the deformity through physical examination and additional studies such as X-rays. Our surgeons have extensive experience in the latest bunion correction techniques if surgery is necessary. You can be confident your surgery and recovery will be successful and pain-free.
Get the best bunion treatment, NOW.
Make my appointment nowWhy is the Bunion Institute best for bunion treatment in Los Angeles and Southern California?
The Bunion Institute is led by a team of highly- qualified and caring podiatry experts and orthopedic surgeons. Our goal is to create long-lasting partnerships with our patients, where we can explore the different bunion treatment options and decide what works best for each person and lifestyle.
If you require invasive options, each of our team members, from DPMs to Doctors of Podiatric Medicine to our technicians, are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. At the Bunion Institute (an affiliate of the University Foot and Ankle Institute), we take our patients’ safety seriously.
To schedule a consultation, please call (855) 814-3600 or make an appointment now.
We are conveniently located throughout the Los Angeles area, in or near Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Westlake Village, Valencia, and Santa Barbara.
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