Bunions are often brushed off as “just a bump” or dismissed as something only older adults deal with. But if you have ever limped through the day because of throbbing pain in your big toe joint, you know that bunion treatment can be life changing.
If left untreated, that seemingly harmless bulge will gradually transform from an occasional nuisance to a constant source of misery, dictating not just your footwear but your mood, your sleep, and your routine.
The good news is that bunions can be effectively managed, without you going under the knife. Let us discuss the nonsurgical treatment options for bunions. While these approaches do not make your bunion disappear altogether, they can help relieve pain, keep the problem from getting worse, and make your feet a lot happier.
Nonsurgical Bunion Treatment Options
The right nonsurgical bunion treatment for you will depend on several factors, including the severity, your lifestyle, and your footwear preferences. Your best way forward is to consult a foot specialist, ideally a podiatrist, who can carry out a thorough assessment and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Your podiatrist may recommend a combination of the following treatment approaches:
1. Wearing the Right Shoes
If you have a habit of squeezing your foot into pointed-toe pumps, it is time to kick it to the curb. Forgoing style for comfort can go a long way toward easing your bunion pain.
Look for shoes with:
- Wide toe boxes (your toes should never feel cramped).
- Soft, flexible materials that do not rub the bunion.
- Low heels or zero-drop shoes.
- Cushioned soles that absorb shock.
Let the natural shape and size of your feet guide your footwear choices. Getting shoes that you need to force your feet into not only worsens your bunion but also makes you prone to other foot problems.
2. Custom Orthotics
Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are specially designed to match the unique contours and mechanics of your feet. They provide excellent arch support and take pressure away from the bunion, helping reduce pain, promote better foot alignment, and slow its progression.
A podiatrist can evaluate your gait and foot structure to determine if custom orthotics are right for you, and if so, which type would be the most suitable and effective.
3. Bunion Correctors
Bunion pads, splints, and cushions are designed to provide temporary pain relief. These products can help reduce pressure on the joint, ease or prevent irritation caused by footwear, and make daily movement more manageable. They are best used as part of a broader, nonsurgical bunion treatment plan rather than a standalone solution.
4. Medications for Bunion Pain
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen (both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and swelling around the joint.
There are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory creams or gels that you can apply directly to the bunion for localized relief. These may be a good option if you want to avoid taking oral medications frequently.
For moderate to severe bunion pain, podiatrists typically prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory medications or even administer corticosteroid injections, though the latter are often reserved for short-term use due to potential side effects.
Medications are most effective when used in conjunction with other nonsurgical treatments, such as proper footwear and orthotics. They help you stay active and comfortable while addressing the mechanical causes behind your bunion.
5. Physical Therapy
Bunions develop over time because of biomechanical imbalances. Strengthening the muscles that support the arch and maintain proper toe alignment can reduce pressure on the joint.
The exercises below have been shown to be beneficial for people dealing with bunions:
- Toe stretches and flexibility exercises
- Towel scrunches (grabbing a towel with your toes)
- Marble pickups
- Calf stretches to improve ankle flexibility
Adding these simple exercises to your daily routine can help improve your foot mechanics, improve stability, and make your everyday movement comfortable.
Setting Your Expectations
Before you move forward, it is worth keeping in mind that your bunion will always be there unless it is surgically removed. But what is possible with conservative bunion treatment is a significant improvement in your symptoms, function, and mobility, without the risk associated with surgery.
The best nonsurgical bunion treatment plan is usually a combination of the approaches mentioned above. These can help you avoid or delay surgery for years.
When Is Surgical Bunion Treatment Appropriate
If your bunion has grown too large or caused significant deformity, or you are not getting any relief from conservative treatments, then it is probably time to consult a podiatrist about surgery.
There are several types of bunion surgeries, from minimally invasive options to full realignment procedures. Which one is appropriate for you depends on your lifestyle, age, and your foot surgeon’s preference, among other factors.
Foot Clinic in Dartmouth, MA
Bunion pain is not a fact of life, so do not just grin and bear it. If you live in Dartmouth or the surrounding areas, visit us here at the Foot & Ankle Institute of New England. Our highly credentialed podiatrists are exceptionally trained in both the nonsurgical and surgical methods of bunion correction.
Whether you need custom orthotics or Lapiplasty®, you can trust our experts to deliver the best possible results, so you can get back to moving comfortably and living pain-free.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our podiatrists, contact us today at (508) 679-3700 or use our appointment request form.
