Bunion Treatments

A bunion is an abnormal, bony growth or bump on the joint at the base of the big toe. As the joint becomes enlarged, it crowds the other toes and is pushed outward, causing pain. Bunion treatments vary according to how severe the bunion is and how much pain it causes. Options in treatment range from conservative lifestyle recommendations for mild cases to surgery for more severe bunions. For bunions that require surgery, there are several procedures available that have proven to be quite successful.

Considerations

• Bunions typically develop because of a foot deformity, often one that is inherited. As a result, once bunions develop they do not go away and tend to get worse if not treated. They can cause difficulty walking and may affect other toes. For these reasons, early diagnosis and treatment by an orthopedic specialist is strongly recommended. Some bunions may not require medical treatment when first diagnosed, but periodic observation and evaluation by a specialist is important so that any advancement in deformity can be detected and treated early.

Early Treatments

• Early treatments for bunions, as recommended by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, include wearing appropriate shoes that don't crowd the toes, placing medicated pads over the bunion, avoiding activity that causes pain and using an ice pack to help reduce pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen may be used help relieve pain. Shoe inserts may be used to help reduce symptoms and to keep the deformity from worsening. In rare cases, corticosteroid injections are used to treat the inflamed bursa---a sac filled with fluid and located in a joint---that sometimes accompanies bunions.

Surgery

• Bunion surgery may be necessary if early treatments do not relieve pain or if a bunion progresses to the point that it interferes with daily activity. Surgery is also the recommended treatment for any severe bone deformity that may develop. There are several surgical procedures used to correct bunions, and no particular procedure is best for everyone. The type of surgery performed depends primarily on what caused the bunion and how severe it is.

Bunionectomy

• A bunionectomy is a simple surgical procedure used for less severe bunions. In this procedure, only the bony protrusion is removed. Some patients are able to walk on the foot immediately after surgery, but full recovery may take up to eight weeks.

Osteotomy and Arthrodesis

• More severe bunions may require correctional procedures in addition to a bunionectomy. Osteotomy is a procedure in which the bump is removed and bone cuts are made to realign the toe joint. Arthrodesis (fusion) of the big toe is sometimes necessary when there is severe deformity.