Bunions: Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment
If you have a bunion, you know how painful and uncomfortable it can be to get through your daily routine. Bunions form at the base of the big toe creating a deformity in the joint. As the big toe pushes against the next toe, it causes the joint to protrude, often appearing red and swollen.
Bunions can be painful and can create limitations in your daily life. In addition to limited movement in the big toe joint, the pain can worsen depending on the type of footwear you choose.
How can you find relief if you suffer from bunions? There are a number of options, both surgical and non-surgical. Making an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon that specializes in foot and ankle is a great way to determine the best treatment options for you. After a physical examination and possibly an x-ray, the orthopaedic surgeon can help you develop a treatment plan.
Here are some of the common ways to treat bunions:
- Use ice to hep reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Find and wear shoes that are comfortable, supportive and allow plenty of room for your toes. Wearing shoes with a wider toe box will alleviate cramping.
- Arch supports or orthotics that insert into your existing shoes can also help by distributing weight evenly on your feet.
- Cortisone injections along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can provide temporary relief by reducing swelling.
- Surgical treatment options include straightening the toe out by removing some of the bone and/or removing inflamed tissue surrounding the joint.
- A surgeon might elect to realign the bone or in some cases even fuse the bones in the joint together permanently.
Suffering from bunions does not have to be an accepted part of your life. If you have bunions that cause pain and limit your daily activity, make an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon to get a clear diagnosis and a treatment plan.
