Bunion

Details & Treatment

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a foot deformity that is characterized by a deviation of the big toe towards the second toe. Aside from the aesthetic aspect of the problem, a bunion can create difficulty to wear shoes and be quite painful. Bunions, as they get larger, can create pain underneath the foot or on the side of the foot.

What causes a bunion?

Contrary to common belief, bunions are not caused by wearing high heels or shoes that are too tight. Obviously, high heels or tight shoes make the bunion worse, but they are not the source of the problem. A bunion is caused by a mechanical defect in the foot causing the big toe to have a tendency to deviate towards the other toes.

How to treat bunions?

First of all, it is important to know that the best treatment for bunion is to prevent the bunion from appearing or getting bigger. Indeed, there are limited options to make your bunion smaller.

1. Treating the cause of your bunion

Bunions are caused by a mechanical defect in your foot. Your podiatrist is trained to evaluate and establish the exact cause of your bunion. After determining the mechanical cause of your bunion, your podiatrist can prescribe a custom-made plantar orthotic to prevent your bunion from getting bigger.

2. Reducing your bunion pain

Aside from treating the cause of your bunion, your podiatrist can also treat the pain associated with it. As the bunion becomes more deviated, the big toe joint will be more damaged and create pain when walking. Your podiatrist can prescribe pain medication, perform an ultrasound-guided cortisone injection, or apply a sport tapping to relieve your bunion pain.

3. Bunion surgery

The only way to reduce the appearance of your bunion is to have it surgically corrected. A bunion surgery consists of breaking and realigning your big toe bone with the rest of your foot. It is to note that without treating the cause of your bunion, even a bunion surgery cannot prevent your bunion from reappearing. Indeed, a bunion surgery needs to be combined with a custom-made plantar orthotic to prevent the bunion from reappearing.

How to treat a bunion at home？

While waiting for your podiatric consultation, you can relieve your pain at home by following these steps:

Changing your shoes

It is important wear shoes that are not causing any friction on your bunion as any excessive friction on a bunion can create pain. It is also best to wear shoes that have more arch support in order to stabilize your foot’s mechanics as much as possible.

Wear toe separators

Although toe separators do not prevent the bunion from getting bigger, nor do they realign your bunion, they help reduce the friction between your big toe and your second toe.

Apply ice

If your bunion starts to be red and painful, wrap some ice in a towel and apply to the bunion for 5 to 15 minunites to reduce the inflammation