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What Treatments Would a Podiatrist Use for Bunions?

The medical name for bunions is hallux valgus or hallux abducto valgus. Bunions appear as a bump on the side of the big toe; this bump can actually change the bony formality of the foot. Rather than point straightforward, the big toe leans towards the second toe. The shape of the foot or wearing shoes that crowd the toes can cause bunions. Your podiatrist may recommend some non-surgical or surgical treatments for this condition.

  1. Changing Your Shoes

    • If you find yourself frequently wearing tight fitting shoes, then it is time to change them. A podiatrist will recommend that you wear comfortable shoes that give your toes plenty of room. If you have to wear dress shoes to work, pick a shoe that has a rounded or square toe. Shoes with a pointy toe will further aggravate your bunion. Sneakers are a recommended alternative to shoes if you can wear them at work.

    Padding and Tapping

    • Your podiatrist may recommend placing pads over the area of your bunion. Some podiatrists will pad and tape your bunions for you. This helps to keep the toes in place and alleviate the pain associated with bunions. This also helps keep them in a normal position so the toes do not further move inward with time. You can find foot pads at your local drug store or from your podiatrist.

    Prescription or Over-the-Counter Medication

    • If you experience pain with your bunions, your podiatrist may prescribe medication. Pain relievers, such as those with acetaminophen, can reduce the pain temporarily. Your podiatrist may also suggest that you take non-steroidal anti-flammatories (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to help alleviate pain and inflammation. Other drug therapy may include injections of cortisone into the bunion area. This can help treat inflammation of the bursa (the fluid-filled sac) of the bunion.

    Change of Lifestyle

    • Your podiatrist may ask you to change some of your everyday activities. This may include not doing activities that require you to stand for long periods of time. If you have a job that requires that, you may have to look for an office job or a position that allows you to sit. You should also place an icepack over your bunion several times a day. This helps reduce inflammation and pain, and is a natural alternative to taking medication or cortisone shots.

    Surgery

    • If non-surgical treatments do not help your pain and discomfort, then your podiatrist will suggest surgery. Your podiatrist will recommend a foot and ankle surgeon so you can discuss the best options for you. There are various methods of bunion surgery, including removal of the swollen tissue around the big toe joint, straightening the big toe by removing part of the bone, permanently joining the bones of the affected joints or realigning your foot. Other surgery may involve removing the bunion altogether. The foot and ankle surgeon will determine the type of surgery based on your foot's deformity and your activity level.

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