Are you struggling to walk or stand because of a bony bump outside the big toe joint? If yes, you may develop a bunion, which is a common foot problem. This is a structural deformity that occurs when repetitive pressure is applied to the big toe joint, which causes severe pain and difficulty when using that foot. Luckily, it’s easily treated with non-surgical options; only in some cases, surgery is needed. Learn what non-surgical approaches are used to manage painful bunions and when surgery is considered for bunions in this article. Get a consultation with the best Podiatrists in Brooklyn.
What is bunion pain like?
A bunion is a structural deformity that develops over time with pressure on the big toe joint. It causes your big toe to lean towards the second toe, creating a bony bump on the outside of the big toe, which causes pain. Clinically, this foot condition is called ‘hallux valgus,’ but generally, people call it bunions. Its pain symptoms may include:
- Pain around the big toe joint worsens when you wear shoes or walk.
- Swelling or redness around the big toe joint.
- Callus formation when the big toe rubs against the next toe.
- Lowered mobility in the big toe.
How exactly this happens is still unclear, but it is believed that bunions mostly occur in people who were born with a foot problem that increases pressure on their big toe joint, which may happen because they were born with abnormal foot structure, have improper walking mechanics, or experience a foot injury. Additionally, medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and wearing tight-fitting or high-heeled shoes are also linked with bunions. Mostly, they might not be the cause, but they can increase your risk of developing bunions.
Managing Painful Bunions: Non-Surgical Approaches
When it comes to bunions treatment, mostly its symptoms are managed with non-surgical approaches, such as:
- Pain relief medication:
Doctors usually recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like naproxen and ibuprofen as a first line of treatment to lower pain and swelling. These medications are not recommended for long-term use or for people with certain chronic conditions like diabetes. If the bunion doesn’t get better in a few weeks, you should talk with your doctor to learn other effective treatment options. Make sure you take the medicines as prescribed.
- Hot and cold therapy:
Using the combination of hot and cold therapies helps treat various conditions, including bunions. These therapies can provide relief from bunion irritation, pain, and swelling. Cold therapy helps constrict blood vessels, which improves swelling and inflammation, whereas hot therapy improves blood flow, which relaxes sore joints and muscles. So, if you’re experiencing soreness or cramping in your bunions, then soak your feet in warm water to feel relaxed. If you don’t want your feet to get wet, buy ice packs and heating pads from a Pharmacy to get similar effects. For swelling, you can elevate your foot higher than heart level and use an ice pack to get an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Wear properly fitting shoes:
Wearing properly fitting shoes can not only help prevent bunions but also improve bunion symptoms. You need to ensure that you choose the right fitting shoes by looking at a few key features, such as:
- A wide toe box ensures your toes have enough space to wiggle and relax.
- A firm sole (but cushioned enough to ensure comfort and support).
- No heel or low heel to lower pressure from the toes and bunion.
- Custom orthotics to treat bunion pain:
You consult your doctor to get orthotics(custom-made) or over-the-counter shoe inserts to lower pressure from the bunion. These options offer more cushion and support to your feet. You can also use toe spacers and splints at nighttime to lower pain. These are very effective when it comes to relieving pressure and pain when you’re walking and standing. A 2021 review found full-length orthotics with good arch support and toe separators amazingly effective in relieving pressure and pain.
- Exercise and rest:
Staying physically active is the best way to manage bunion symptoms, strengthen your feet, prevent future bunions, and increase foot mobility. Exercises like toe curls and marble pick-ups are very effective. A 2016 review in the Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that exercises are effective in increasing the range of motion and strength in the foot, ankle, and toes. These exercises that are prescribed by a physical therapist address muscle imbalances in other parts of the body that cause pressure on a bunion.
Besides exercise, you need to ensure you get proper rest after exercise for managing bunion pain because rest is as important as exercise to help bunion pain. So, make sure you find the right balance between exercise and rest; you need to ensure you stay active without causing pain, or choose activities that take pressure off the joints, like swimming.
When to consider surgery?
Usually, doctors recommend surgery when initial treatment with conservative measures fails, and bunion pain persists and progresses to become severe or impair mobility. Different types of surgical techniques are used to treat a bunion, but the main goal is to restore normal positioning and alignment of the big toe joint. Most people experience significant pain relief after full recovery from surgery. Recovery varies depending on the surgical technique and the specific issue that is being treated. Typically, it takes around 6 to 12 weeks (about 3 months) to recover completely from bunion surgery. After surgery, you need to undergo physical therapy and wear podiatrist-recommended footwear to promote faster recovery.
Managing painful bunions is not difficult if you follow your doctor’s instructions properly and get conservative treatment. Typically, the above-mentioned non-surgical approaches are used to treat bunions. The doctor may use a combination of these options to improve your symptoms and foot functionality.
Need help with bunions? Visit our podiatry clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!! At Doral Health & Wellness, we have Podiatrists with extensive education and expertise. If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your pain, we recommend consulting with our healthcare provider to explore the right treatments or therapies for you. Always listen to your body and adjust your daily routine to prioritize your well-being. Trauma to the tendons, muscles, and bones of the foot is quite common. It’s not a good idea to put off seeing Foot Doctor Brooklyn until you are in a lot of pain. Our address is 1797 Pitkin Avenue, New York, NY 11212. To make an appointment, please call + 1 718 367 2555 or send an email toinfo@doralhw.org.
