Which Treatment Approach Is Best For My Bunions?

Dealing with bunions can be a painful and frustrating experience, impacting your foot health and overall well-being. The journey to relief often begins with understanding your options and choosing the best bunion treatment approach that suits your needs. This guide will explore various treatment options for bunion pain, empowering you to make informed decisions about your foot health. Read on for more!

What Exactly Are Bunions?

Let's start with the basics. A bunion is a bony bump at the joint where your big toe meets the remainder of your foot. It happens when the bone or tissue at the joint moves out of position, causing the big toe to tilt toward the second toe instead of pointing straight ahead. This misalignment creates the characteristic bump on the side of your foot.

Which Treatment Approach Is Best For My Bunions?

Assessing the severity of your bunions

Before diving into options for treating bunions, it's crucial to assess the severity of your bunions. Are they in the early stages, causing mild discomfort, or have they progressed to a point where they significantly impact your daily activities? Understanding the severity will guide you in choosing the most appropriate treatment approach.

Comfortable footwear

Sometimes, the most straightforward solutions can make a significant difference. Opting for comfortable shoes with a wide toe box comprising softer materials without multiple layers of material or stitching will accommodate your bunion. Many shoes claim to have "arch support", but you should take the insole out and see if the shoe has a raised arch.

Custom-made orthotics

Custom-made orthotics can offer personalised support by redirecting the pressure away from the bunions. Consult a podiatrist experienced in treating bunions, as you will need bunion-specific custom-made orthotics to wear in your shoes for continuous relief.

Toe spacers and splints

Toe spacers and splints can be worn at home barefoot but will continue the bunion's progression. The bulk of these devices means that if they are worn with shoes, they take up so much room that they actually increase the tightness of the shoes, thus making things more painful.

Muscle exercises

Many muscle exercises can help increase the strength of the many muscles in your feet. Performing toe scrunches, picking up small objects with your toes, moving your big toe away from the second toe, etc., will strengthen your feet and hopefully become more comfortable.

Pain management

For individuals experiencing significant pain from bunions, over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may be recommended. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. However, it's paramount to consult with a healthcare specialist before relying on medication for long-term relief.

Icing and elevation

Simple at-home remedies like icing and elevating your feet temporarily relieve bunion-related discomfort. Laying an ice pack on the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times daily can decrease swelling. Additionally, elevating your feet when resting as this can also reduce swelling at the bunion.

Bunion pads and cushions

Over-the-counter bunion pads and cushions can provide a protective barrier between your footwear and the bunion, reducing friction and irritation. However, you must ensure your shoes are roomy enough to fit them in.

If you squeeze your foot into a shoe, it is advisable not to add another layer of padding as it will just take up space. There are a variety of styles, shapes & sizes, so choose what is best for you, but ensure your shoes are wide enough.

Bunion surgery

Sometimes, when bunions become so large or painful, wearing shoes is just impossible, and they start to harm people's lives. This is when you may consider seeing a specialist foot & ankle orthopaedic surgeon. The surgeon may offer minimally invasive procedures to reduce the size of the bunion's bony prominence.

In severe cases where the first toe causes the second toe to claw up & over, more complex surgery is required to straighten both toes and often realign the first metatarsal as well.

Surgery should be considered as a last resort after exhausting conservative treatments, and it must be remembered that surgery treats the end result of the bunion, not the underlying causes - prevention is always better than the cure.

How to Keep Your Bunions at Bay

Bunions can be painful and uncomfortable, affecting the joint at the base of the big toe. If you've been dealing with bunions or want to prevent them from developing, taking proactive steps to care for your feet is essential. In this part, we'll explore practical strategies to help you keep bunions at bay, ensuring your feet remain healthy and pain-free.

Have your feet assessed

If you notice a lump starting at your first toe joint or your big toe moving closer to the second toe, you should consult an experienced biomechanical podiatrist. Now, we are not talking about the podiatrist who cuts your grandmother’s toenails, but one who specialises in analysing foot mechanics, diagnosis & treatment of bunions.

You are predisposed to developing bunions if you have a family history of bunions, rolled-in feet, flat feet or low arches, or calluses at your first toe and joint. Remember that children can develop bunions if there is a family history. Conservative treatment with a bunion-specific orthotic insert is beneficial in slowing the rate of bunion development. Bunion-specific orthotics can delay bunion surgery by 5-15 years by slowing growth and relieving painful symptoms. Choose an experienced podiatrist to determine the correct type of bunion-specific orthotic inserts and mechanics for your feet.

Choose the right shoes

Choosing the right shoes with or without orthotics is imperative to slowing bunion development. Shoes with a broad toe box allow your toes to move freely. Tight, narrow shoes can contribute to the development of bunions by squeezing the toes and putting excessive pressure on the joint. Avoid shoes with multiple layers of stiff leather and stitching at the toe box area, as they will not stretch and will conversely squeeze your bunion, thus making it worse.

Invest in properly fitted shoes

Ensuring your shoes fit properly is as important as choosing the right style. Get your feet measured regularly, as foot size can change as we age or with recent first-time mums.

Bypass shoes that are too tight or loose, as both extremes can contribute to foot issues. Choose shoes that deliver satisfactory support and comfort, prioritising your foot health over fashion trends, especially if you plan on doing a lot of walking in those shoes.

Be mindful of your footwear choices

High heels and shoes with pointy toes may be fashionable, but they can significantly contribute to bunion development. Reserve such footwear for special occasions and opt for more comfortable options in your daily life. If you must wear heels, select lower ones and give your feet a break by alternating with flat or low-heeled shoes or take the high heels off when you are sitting to have a break.

Practise good toe exercises

Simple exercises can strengthen the muscles in your toes and help maintain strong feet. Toe stretches, and flexibility exercises can improve the range of motion in your toes and reduce the likelihood of developing bunions.

Maintain a healthy weight

Excess body weight can stress your feet and joints, increasing the likelihood of arched flattening, thus increasing the chances of developing bunions. Maintaining a healthy frame through a balanced diet and exercise can alleviate pressure and improve overall foot health.

Give your feet a break

If your daily routine involves prolonged periods of standing or walking, take breaks to relieve the pressure on your feet. Sit down, elevate your feet, and stretch gently to promote circulation and reduce strain. Additionally, consider wearing supportive footwear designed for extended periods of standing or walking.

Seek professional advice

If you see a bunion starting, notice your big toe moving towards your second toe, or even if you notice a family member with bunions, you may want to seek advice from an experienced podiatrist.

Early intervention can prevent bunions from progressing and causing more significant issues that require surgery. A podiatrist can provide personalised recommendations based on your foot structure and footwear and can even prevent bunion surgery from occurring in your possible future.

Take Proactive Steps With Professional Help

Finding the proper treatment approach for your bunions involves careful consideration of the severity of your condition, lifestyle factors, and personal preferences. Exploring conservative measures like comfortable footwear and orthotics and the advanced options outlined in this guide ensures comprehensive choices for improvement.

By taking proactive steps and contacting a professional immediately, you can embark on a journey toward relief and improved overall well-being. A podiatrist can provide expert care and treatment for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including sports injuries, diabetic foot care, arthritis, and more.

Their specialised knowledge and experience can help you address any issues with your feet and lower limbs, promoting proper healing and preventing future complications. Consulting a professional podiatrist is crucial for ensuring accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment plans, and ongoing support for your foot health.