Treatment of Bunion Hallux Valgus

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), a bunion, also referred to as hallux valgus, is a hard, fluid-filled bump on the inside edge of your toe. The large toe points towards the second toe, causing friction---often from narrow toe or high-heel shoes---and leading to bunions.

Complications

• If bunions go untreated, complications such as chronic foot pain, deformity and stiff foot can occur, the UMMC says.

Shoes

• Wearing wide-toe shoes can help prevent the development and progression of bunions. According to the UMMC, changing shoe types may be enough to cure bunions.

Padding

• Putting padding in the shoes may be beneficial towards bunion healing. Toe spacers used at night can separate the first and second toe.

Holes

• According to the UMMC, cutting a hole in an old pair of shoes to wear around the house may help a bunion heal.

Surgery

• For severe cases where bunions continue to become progressively worse, surgery may be necessary, the UMMC says. A bunionectomy removes the boney bump from the affected toe.