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Bunions: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Treatment of Bunions

The treatment of bunion depends on several factors, namely the degree of protrusion of the bunion and the existence of symptoms.

Using the Appropriate Footwear

Patients should avoid irritation of the bunion by optimizing footwear and foot care. [10] The shoes for those with bunion should be wide at the front and preferably with a sole support, so as to let the foot “loose” or without being “tight”. Tight shoes press the sides of the foot and aggravate complaints. Other type shoes, such as sneakers, boots, etc. should be selected in the same way. In women, the use of high-heeled shoes is not recommended, as they press the sides of the foot, aggravate complaints and can cause metatarsalgia.

Bunion Protector

The use of a bunion protector or insoles allows to alleviate the inflammation of the bunion and mitigate the symptoms.

It is also possible to put on protective shoes and toe separators for bunions. These orthoses are usually made of silicone and are available for sale in pharmacies and orthopedic stores.

Splint and Bunion Corrector

There are special splints or bunion corrector that can be used only during the night (night bunion corrector) or, permanently (day and night). This bunion corrector works as a corrective splint, pressing the joint, in order to decrease the development of the deformity and thus reducing the pain. It is a way to progressively align soft tissues and joints without damaging them.

Home Remedy

As a home or natural treatment, the patient can apply ice at the site at home, in case of inflammation, which is good for reducing inflammation and local pain. [11] Likewise, you should avoid contact with surfaces or liquids at high temperatures (hot water, for example).

Medications

The doctor may prescribe some medication or medicine for the bunion that can help relieve pain and inflammation, if they exist.[12] These anti-inflammatory drugs exist in the form of pills or ointment and gel for local use and should always be used according to the doctor’s prescription. This medication only allows the relief of symptoms and does not allow the correction of deformities.

Sometimes inflammation of the joint of the first finger can be reduced with cortisone injection.

Physical Therapy

In some cases, physical therapy is indicated, through specific exercises that can help in relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Gait rehabilitation is also important, which involves muscle balance and proper alignment of the joints of the lower limb.

If the patient practices any physical activity (sports), he/she should consult with the orthopedist and eventually this can be modified to reduce the overload caused on the bunion.

Reference:

[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/bunions

[2] https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2011/article/study-finds-bunions-more-common-in-women#:~:text=New%20research%20has%20found%20that,36%25%20of%20the%20study%20sample.

[3]https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bunions/symptoms-causes/syc-20354799#:~:text=Advertisement&text=Wearing%20tight%2C%20narrow%20shoes%20might,joint%20of%20your%20little%20toe.

[4]https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2011/article/study-finds-bunions-more-common-in-women#:~:text=New%20research%20has%20found%20that,36%25%20of%20the%20study%20sample.

[5]https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bunions/symptoms-causes/syc-20354799#:~:text=Advertisement&text=Wearing%20tight%2C%20narrow%20shoes%20might,joint%20of%20your%20little%20toe.

[6] https://www.healthline.com/health/bunions#symptoms

[7] https://www.healthline.com/health/bunions#symptoms

[8] https://www.healthline.com/health/bunions#symptoms

[9] https://www.healthline.com/health/bunions#diagnosis

[10]https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bunions/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354805

[11]https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bunions/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354805

[12]https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bunions/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354805