Patients often ask if we can treat their bunions without surgery. There are, in fact, some non-surgical ways to reduce bunion pain and prevent bunions from getting worse, such as:
- Properly fitting shoes. This is one of the simplest things people with bunions can do to increase their comfort. It’s important to wear shoes that don’t press against the bunion.
- Custom orthotics, or arch supports. We’re not necessarily talking about the cheap, store-bought type here. A professionally made, custom-tailored orthotic slips inside your shoes and holds your foot in proper alignment, preventing pressure on the bunion. (For our patients’ convenience, we have a full-time orthotics professional on site in our clinic.)
- Bunion splints and toe spacers. These help to reposition the toe in better alignment. Toe spacers are designed to be worn inside your shoes while walking, and splints are worn overnight while sleeping.
- Oral or topical medications. Your podiatrist may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to help decrease the pain and inflammation of a bunion.
- Steroidal injections. For bunions that are really inflamed, sometimes a small steroid injection into the bunion will offer some relief of symptoms.
- Strengthening exercises. If you have a bunion, it’s important to keep your foot muscles strong and maintain good balance. Our staff can instruct you in some simple toe exercises you can perform.
It’s important to realize that these therapies aren’t cures for bunions; that is, they won’t result in your bunion going away. But, especially for mild bunions, they may provide some relief from the symptoms.
You can learn more about bunions on our bunion page. If you’d like to talk to someone about non-surgical (or surgical) treatment of a bunion, feel free to give us a call, or request a consultation online using the form below.
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