Bunions: Symptoms and Treatments

By Ade Adetunji, DPM

Largo Foot and Ankle Health Center

. http://www.largofoot.com/

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Bunions: Symptoms and Treatments

The symptoms of a bunion include the following:

• Development of a firm bump on the outside edge of the foot, at the base of the big toe.
• Redness, swelling, or pain at or near the MTP joint.
• Corns or other irritations caused by an overlap of the first and second toes.
• Restricted or painful motion of the big toe.

Conservative treatment:

• Apply a commercial, non-medicated bunion pad around the bony prominence (Bunion Splint)
• Wear shoes with a wide and deep toe box
• If your bunion becomes inflamed and painful, apply ice packs several times a day to reduce swelling
• Avoid high-heeled shoes over two inches tall. If your foot flattens excessively, make sure you wear supportive shoes, and if necessary, get custom orthotics from your podiatrist.

Treatment options vary with the type and severity of each bunion, although identifying the deformity early in its development is important in avoiding surgery. The primary goal of most early treatment options is to relieve pressure on the bunion and halt the progression of the joint deformity. If pain persists, podiatric medical attention must be sought.Bunions tend to get larger and more painful if left untreated, making nonsurgical treatment less of an option.

Treatments include padding and taping: Often the first step in a treatment plan, padding the bunion minimizes pain and allows the patient to continue a normal, active life. Taping helps keep the foot in a normal position, thus reducing stress and pain. Medication, physical therapy, Orthotics and when early treatments fail or the bunion progresses past the threshold for such options, podiatric surgery may become necessary to relieve pressure and repair the toe joint. Several surgical procedures are available to the podiatrist. The surgery will remove the bony enlargement, restore the normal alignment of the toe joint, and relieve pain.