Bunions, or hallux valgus, are a common foot deformity that many people experience. They occur when the joint at the base of the big toe drifts out of alignment and appears to enlarge, causing the toe to lean toward the second toe, and forming a visible bump. This can lead to pain, difficulty walking, and lots of problems with wearing closed toe shoes. At Bayshore Podiatry Center, we understand how disruptive bunions can be and offer both conservative and surgical treatments to alleviate symptoms and restore your foot health.
Understanding Bunions
Before diving into treatment options, it is important to understand what causes bunions. They typically develop slowly over time due to:
- Genetics: A family history of bunions increases the risk of developing them. Often times patients with bunions will report that their mom or grandma had bunions as well. Some patients will relay stories of a grandma who was unable to walk as she aged because of the severity of her bunions.
- Improper footwear: Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes can contribute to bunion formation. These shoes apply pressure to the big toe joint and can push the joint to the side, causing the bunion to form at a faster rate. These shoes can also lead to weakening of the intrinsic foot muscles that help to stabilize the foot and prevent bunion formation.
- Foot structure: Flat feet or overly flexible joints may predispose individuals to bunions. Joint laxity can lead to the easier development of bunions.
- Arthritis: Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis can also lead to joint changes that result in bunions. These conditions can cause damage to the joint that allows for the first metatarsal to drift away from the great toe, and a bunion is the result.
Symptoms of Bunions
If you have a bunion, you may notice:
- A bony bump on the outside of the base of your big toe
- Redness, swelling, or soreness around the bony bump
- Limited movement in the big toe joint
- Big toe is abutting or overlapping the second toe
- Pain or discomfort that worsens when wearing tight or closed toe shoes, or walking for prolonged periods
Now that you know what bunions are and their symptoms, let’s explore the treatment options.
Conservative Treatments for Bunions
At Bayshore Podiatry Center, we often recommend starting with conservative treatments, especially if the bunion is not yet severe or causing constant pain. These non-invasive approaches can help relieve symptoms and prevent further progression.
1. Proper Footwear
Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes is essential for managing bunions. Shoes with:
- A wide toe box to prevent crowding of the toes. One trick you can use to determine if your shoes are wide enough is removing the sock liner inside the shoe and standing on it. If your foot overlaps the edge of the sock liner, your shoe won’t be wide enough to accommodate for your bunion and is likely to give you pain.
- Low or no heels to reduce pressure on the forefoot. These can prevent other complications secondary to the bunion, such as capsulitis of the lesser toe joints and stress fractures.
- Adequate arch support to improve foot alignment. Properly aligning the joints of the foot can slow the progression of the bunion and improve pain.
Switching to better-fitting shoes can help minimize discomfort and allow patients to continue with their desired activities.
2. Padding and Taping
Using gel bunion pads or sleeves, as well as custom orthotics can cushion the bunion and reduce friction from shoes. The goal with the gel bunion sleeve is to eliminate rubbing inside the shoe which will lead to decreased irritation at the site. We recommend avoiding most bunion correction devices. These attempt to realign the bunion back into the joint, however the bunion returns immediately upon removal of the device and can lead to severe pain with use.
3. Ice and Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Applying ice packs to the bunion can help reduce inflammation and pain, especially after prolonged periods of standing or walking. Topical anti-inflammatories such as diclofenac can provide local relief of pain. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can also provide relief from pain and swelling. These should be taken under the direction of your podiatrist, especially if you have other comorbidities such as diabetes and heart disease.
4. Custom Orthotics
Custom-made orthotic devices can help correct foot imbalances, providing better arch support and can be fabricated to redistribute pressure away from the bunion inside of shoes. This can slow bunion progression and improve overall comfort.
When Surgery is Needed: Benefits of Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy
If conservative measures aren’t providing sufficient relief, or if the bunion is severely affecting your daily life, surgery may be the best option. At Bayshore Podiatry Center, we offer a range of bunionectomy procedures, depending on the severity of the bunion, your symptoms, and your overall health. Below, we will highlight the benefits of a minimally invasive bunionectomy. Please note however that there are many procedures that can be successful at correcting a painful bunion, and each patient must be treated as an individual.
What is Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy?
As you now know, bunions can cause persistent pain and discomfort, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes comfortably. At Bayshore Podiatry Center, we offer a cutting-edge solution: minimally invasive bunionectomy. This advanced procedure effectively corrects bunions with smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
How Does It Work?
During a minimally invasive bunionectomy, tiny incisions are made around the affected area. Using specialized instruments, the surgeon realigns the bones and soft tissue, removing the bunion without extensive cutting. This approach results in less trauma to the surrounding tissues, reducing swelling and post-operative pain.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy
- Smaller scars: Minimal incisions lead to less visible scarring.
- Faster recovery: Patients often return to normal activities sooner, with less downtime.
- Less pain: The procedure causes less disruption to surrounding tissue, meaning less post-surgical discomfort.
- Reduced risk of complications: With smaller incisions, there’s a lower chance of infection or wound healing problems.
Is Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Right for You?
While not everyone is a candidate for this technique, many patients with mild to moderate bunions benefit from minimally invasive surgery. Our podiatrists will evaluate your condition and determine the best treatment option to suit your needs.
Conclusion
Bunions don’t have to stop you from living an active, pain-free life. Whether through conservative treatments or surgical intervention, our team at Bayshore Podiatry Center is here to help you find relief. If you’re struggling with bunion pain, contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better foot health. Our podiatrists will assess your condition and guide you toward the best treatment plan, whether conservative or surgical, tailored to your needs.