Understanding Bunion Treatment Options

Bunions can be more than just an inconvenience; they can cause persistent pain and limit your ability to move comfortably throughout the day.

Conservative Bunion Treatment Options

For many patients, conservative treatments can help manage the symptoms of bunions and allow them to continue living an active, pain-free lifestyle. While these treatments won’t eliminate the bunion itself, they can certainly reduce pain, improve function, and slow the progression of the condition. Some of the conservative treatment options we offer include:

1. Padding and Protective Devices
   To alleviate pressure and reduce friction on the bunion, we may recommend using special padding for your toes. This can help prevent the development of corns or calluses, which often accompany bunions.
2. Taping or Splinting
   If your bunion is still flexible, taping or splinting the affected toe into a more natural position can help reduce misalignment and ease discomfort.
3. Custom Orthotics
   Heat-molded or custom orthotics are designed to provide extra support to your feet, particularly the big toe joint. A skilled custom orthotics podiatrist can help ensure these devices distribute pressure evenly across your foot, improving function and preventing the bunion from worsening.
4. Shoes with a Wider Toe Box
   Wearing shoes that are too tight can exacerbate the discomfort caused by bunions. We recommend switching to footwear with a wider toe box to give your toes more room to move and reduce pressure on the bunion. Shoes with additional stability can also help prevent added stress on the forefoot.
5. Physical Therapy
   Exercises that strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the foot can help alleviate tension around the bunion and improve overall foot stability. Physical therapy can also help improve flexibility and reduce discomfort.
6. Therapeutic Laser
   Our FDA-approved Multiwave Locked System (MLS) therapy laser uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair. This revolutionary treatment is completely painless and highly effective.

While these conservative treatments can effectively manage the symptoms and make a noticeable difference in your daily life, there are cases where they are no longer sufficient.

When Surgery Becomes Necessary

If your bunion is causing significant pain, restricting your activities, or if conservative measures no longer provide relief, a surgical procedure may be required. Bunion surgery aims to realign the bones in your foot, remove any excess bone, and restore normal function.

The good news is that bunion surgery is highly effective, and most patients make a full recovery when they follow the correct procedure and post-surgical instructions. The goal of surgery is not only to relieve pain but also to allow you to return to your active lifestyle without restriction.