Bunion Treatment

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What Is A Bunion?

Bunions are identified by a bony bump on the inside of the foot at the big toe joint. They tend to develop gradually over time, and many people remain pain-free unless the bunion is irritated by tight or ill-fitting shoes that cause friction. In some cases, swelling and redness may occur as a result of pressure or excessive stress on the joint.

Bunion on the 1st MTPJ with a podiatrist diagnosing with pink gloves, left bunion redness surrounding joint

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How Do Bunions Develop?

As a bunion progresses, the bones and joints in the foot gradually change shape, causing the big toe to angle toward the smaller toes. Initially, this deformity may be flexible, allowing you to straighten the toe with your fingers. However, over time, it can become fixed and rigid, often leading to arthritis in the later stages. This can result in long-term pain, impair balance, and make finding suitable footwear challenging.
 
At Priority Podiatry Clinic, we focus on preventing the early development of bunions by addressing the factors that overload the big toe joint and contribute to bunion formation. If a bunion has already fully developed, we will work with you to determine the most effective care and management options to suit your needs.

What Causes Bunions?

Medically known as Hallux Abducto Valgus (HAV), bunions occur due to excess pressure or loading on the big toe joint at the ball of the foot. Common causes of this pressure include:
  • Flat (pronated) foot type: This causes the foot to roll inward, putting more pressure on the big toe joint with every step.
  • Ill-fitting footwear: High heels and tight, narrow shoes add pressure to the big toe and can cause painful rubbing against the bunion.
  • Foot biomechanics: Misalignment and instability in the big toe joint can contribute to bunion formation. This alignment is often the reason why bunions seem to “run in the family.” While bunions themselves aren’t inherited, certain foot characteristics that make you more prone to developing them can be passed down.

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How Priority Podiatry Clinic Can Help

Early detection and management of bunions are crucial for achieving the best long-term results. If your bunion is noticeable but still flexible, it may be possible to reduce its severity. Since each bunion is unique, treatment needs to be assessed on an individual basis. Once evaluated, we can discuss what to expect and whether non-surgical treatment is a viable option.

The first step is identifying the underlying causes of your bunion or, if it hasn’t developed yet, assessing your risk factors. This involves evaluating your walking pattern, the function of the bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles in your feet and legs, checking for any restrictions or limited joint movement, and conducting other tests.

Based on this assessment, your podiatrist will create a personalised bunion treatment plan aimed at achieving the best outcomes for your feet. If flat feet or other alignment issues are contributing to the bunion, we have had great success using custom orthotics to reduce pressure on the big toe joint.

We will also recommend appropriate footwear that reduces pain and pressure on the big toe joint and helps prevent further bunion development. Wide, supportive shoes with a low heel work well with orthotics to alleviate discomfort.

Surgical correction is an option, but it should only be considered after exploring other non-invasive podiatry care options due to the nature of the procedure.

Tailor's Bunion

Bunions can also develop on the outside of the foot, near the little fifth toe at the ball of the foot. This is known as a tailor’s bunion or bunionette. The term comes from its historical prevalence among tailors, who would sit on the floor in a way that placed pressure on this area. Although the joint is smaller and less pronounced than a typical bunion, it can still cause pain, rubbing, and difficulty finding properly fitting shoes. If you’re concerned that you may be developing a tailor’s bunion, it’s important to consult with your podiatrist to discuss possible treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bunion treatment options can vary depending on the severity and level of pain. Before considering surgical options, such as removing the swollen tissue around the big toe or straightening the toe by removing bones, your doctor will typically recommend conservative treatments. These may include changing your footwear, using custom orthotics, or taking medication for pain relief. It’s important to discuss with your podiatrist which treatment approach is best suited for your specific condition.
Although follow-up treatments are not mandatory, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help strengthen and exercise your foot and lower leg. This can support recovery, improve mobility, and prevent further issues related to your bunion.

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