Affordable and Effective Treatment, from Rest to Bunion Surgery
A bunion is an enlarged bone and joint at the base of the big toe and occasionally the little toe. If a bunion grows large it can be unsightly and cause problems with footwear, however the worst bunions are those that are painful as well. There are many treatment options, from simple rest up through bunion surgery.
Treatment Options
There are several treatments for bunions, some of which are simple, and the most drastic of which is bunion surgery to have the bunion removed. Several factors help determine which treatment is necessary and most effective. If the bunion is not very large or painful, no treatment is needed. There are a few home remedies and simple solutions that can be attempted to reduce the pain of a bunion. Surgery is the only solution that can correct a bunion, however there are significant risks to this option.
Rest and Footwear
The first option for bunion treatment is to take the pressure off and rest the foot. Wearing wide, loose, and generally more comfortable shoes may be key to helping reduce the pain of bunions and perhaps keep them from growing bigger and avoiding future bunion surgery. Women develop bunions much more often than men, so high-heeled and narrow shoes may be a factor in their formation. Avoiding too much walking and resting the foot is also advised which may help reduce the pain and avoid neccssary bunion surgery.
Bunion Pads and Cushions
There are several types of foot pads and cushions that can be used for bunion treatment. Some are soft padded or gel protection that stick to the foot to cushion the painful friction and pressure from the side of a shoe. Other bunion pads are medicated with mineral oil gels to reduce swelling and skin irritation. Some find cold packs to be soothing to the pain of bunions and there are cooling gel bunion pads for this. Finally there are inserts for between the first and second toe to realign the foot and ease pain.
Painkillers
Over the counter anti-inflammatory medications like asprin and ibuprofin can be taken to reduce the pain of a bunion too small to warrant bunion surgery. It is important to ask a doctor which pain medication is the best for you, as most painkillers have side effects when taken regularly. For example, aspirin can cause blood thinning which may conflict with other medications or health conditions, and ibuprofin can cause stomach issues in some users. If over the counter painkillers do not reduce the pain to a tolerable level, seek a doctor’s advice.
Orthotics and Splints
A podiatrist can create custom insoles, called orthotics, for the shoes that help to realign the foot and take the pressure off of the bunion. This bunion treatment can be very effective in reducing pain. Insoles can also be purchased over the counter as well in most pharmacies. These non-custom insoles may not be as effective as those prescribed by a doctor, however they are worth a try to see if they work. In addition to orthotics, bunion treatment also includes a splint, worn during the day or at night, which can be placed on the foot to realign the toe. While it may be uncomfortable, it is still worth trying before resorting to bunion surgery.
Bunion Surgery
These tips for affordable bunion treatment should be attempted before considering expensive bunion surgery. If none of the options above work, consider speaking with your doctor to decide the best avenue of treatment and see if bunion surgery is appropriate for your situation.