At first, a bunion is usually nothing more than an annoyance. You might not like the way that bony bump on the outside of your big toe looks, or you might notice that it rubs against specific shoes.
But those relatively minor inconveniences can grow as that misalignment in the base of your big toe joint worsens. Walking and standing may cause pain. And, you could end up with complications like hammertoe.
Because bunions often worsen over time, you will likely want a solution eventually. But that doesn’t necessarily mean surgery.
At Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates, located in Mission Viejo, California, and serving patients throughout South Orange County, our board-certified podiatrists offer a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments for remedying bunion pain.
In this month’s blog, they break down those options.
Surgery-free solutions are always explored first. And fortunately, many patients find relief from these. The first step may be as simple as changing your footwear, especially if this adjustment is made in the earliest stage of your bunion’s appearance.
You’ll want to choose shoes with a roomy toe box to prevent the bunion from rubbing, which worsens the inflammation in that area of your foot. Also, go for soft shoes with substantial depth to cushion your feet, such as sneakers.
It’s sunny and warm year-round in southern California, so sandals are another excellent option, provided you choose a pair with good support. As with many foot problems, patients with bunions should steer clear of high heels.
If changing shoes doesn’t sufficiently alleviate your bunion pain, we may suggest trying shoe padding or anti-inflammatory medications.
Many patients have also found relief with custom-made orthotics tailored to their feet. These shoe inserts are designed to improve balance and alignment by evenly dispersing weight and pressure.
If these first-line treatments are unsuccessful, it may be time to consider surgery.
If your big toe drifts inward over your other toes or is stiff to the point that you can’t bend it, it’s likely time to explore bunion surgery.
This specialized type of surgery — called a bunionectomy — has advanced significantly in recent years. Today, your bunionectomy can be tailored to what your individual foot needs. It’s also an outpatient procedure, meaning you should be able to return home a few hours after your surgery.
Most people get back to their usual activities 6-12 weeks after bunion surgery. And, because the deformity in your toe joint has been corrected, you can resume your daily life with a much higher level of comfort as you stand and walk.
You don’t have to live with bunion pain. Instead, book a consultation with one of the experienced board-certified podiatrists at Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates. Call the office at (949) 364-2525 or request an appointment online.
