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Understanding Bunions: Information, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
The Basics | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention
Treatment
How Do I Know If I Have Bunions?
Even though bunions are obvious from the pain and unusual shape of the toe, further diagnosis is wise. A doctor will usually take X-rays to determine the extent of the deformity. Blood tests may be advised to see if a type of arthritis may be causing the pain. Based on this evaluation, your doctor can determine whether you need orthopedic shoes, medication, surgery, or other treatment.
What Are the Treatments for Bunions?
Your doctor may recommend a prescription or over-the-counter pain reliever, as well as a medication to relieve the swelling and inflammation. A heating pad or warm foot bath may also help relieve the immediate pain and discomfort. A few people may find relief with ice packs.
If your bunion isn't persistently painful and you catch it early, changing to well-made, well-fitting shoes may be all the treatment you need. Some doctors advise bunion pads, splints, or other shoe inserts, providing they don't exert pressure elsewhere on the foot and aggravate other foot problems.
In some cases, an orthotic specialist can prescribe shoes with specially designed insoles and uppers that take the pressure off affected joints and help the foot regain its proper shape.
Surgery may be recomended for some bunions, but only when symptoms are severe enough to warrant such intervention. Surgery for strictly cosmetic reasons should not be done since many people are dissatisfied with the results.
Surgery for a bunion, called a bunionectomy, is done in a hospital under local or general anesthesia. The surgeon can often realign the bone behind the big toe by cutting the ligaments at the joint. For a severe bunion, you may to have the bone cut in a technique called an osteotomy. Wires may be temporarily inserted to keep the bones in line, and excess bone may be shaved off or removed. Potential complications of surgery include recurrence of the bunion, inadequate correction, overcorrection (the toe now points inward), pain, limited movement of the large toe, and nerve damage.
The Basics | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention
